Ovechkin tells Capitals fans, “I’ll think about it” on possible return

Ovechkin tells fans he will weigh retirement after Capitals’ win

The Washington Capitals kept themselves in the NHL playoff race on Sunday night with a 3-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, while star Alex Ovechkin offered a cautious message to fans who wanted him back for another season. After playing what many in the building treated as a possible closing chapter of his career at home, Ovechkin said he would “think about it” when asked about continuing.

Washington played in front of a sellout crowd, and Ovechkin’s evening carried a heavy sense of occasion from the opening faceoff through the post-game skate. During the game, fans made their preference heard early by chanting “One more year!” and, afterward, Ovechkin was surrounded by his two young sons when he responded to the request.

Capitals management and fans still do not know what Ovechkin will decide next. The longtime forward will wait until the offseason to determine whether to retire or return for a 22nd NHL season, even as the team’s immediate focus remains on closing out the regular season with playoff-relevant results.

Ovechkin, who will turn 41 in September, entered Sunday as the NHL’s active leader in career goals at 929. He finished the night leading the Capitals with 32 goals and 63 points this season and added to the win’s final margin by contributing an assist on the empty-net goal that clinched Washington’s pivotal victory.

The Capitals’ remaining path to the postseason runs through their final game. Washington must win its regular-season finale in Columbus on Tuesday night and also needs Philadelphia to fail to win either of its remaining two games, regardless of how Ovechkin’s own playing future ultimately turns out.

Washington coach Spencer Carbery said the day felt distinct. “You could tell, the game felt different and the night felt different,” Carbery said, adding, “A lot of great moments.” He also described watching Ovechkin and the occasion closely during key stretches, saying he caught himself “watching in certain moments, taking it all in.”

Before the puck dropped, Ovechkin joined Penguins star Sidney Crosby at center ice for the opening faceoff, part of the 100th meeting between the longtime rivals. Carbery said he watched the draw with interest, and Crosby praised Ovechkin’s career trajectory, saying he came into the matchup with “such high expectations” that Ovechkin “passed” by becoming the league’s top goal scorer all-time and “do[ing] what he’s done.”

In the postgame atmosphere, Carbery framed any potential end to Ovechkin’s career as something he could savor as a coach. If Sunday was the final home game, Carbery said he would remember the moment and “the atmosphere” of the night, and he added that he does not take for granted the chance to have coached Ovechkin during milestones including the all-time goals record.

Ovechkin, for his part, left the decision open even after the win and the cheers. He said he would remember “this moment, the atmosphere that was tonight,” while keeping the offseason decision for later as the Capitals prepare for their final test.