Alex Ovechkin finally broke Wayne Gretzky's record of 894 goals, and he is now the NHL's all-time leading scorer. The Washington Capitals superstar was honoured with a touching ceremony amidst thousands of cheering fans. But while the franchise lavished gifts and accolades on Alex Ovechkin and his family with the finest luxuries, some fans were left feeling disappointed, particularly following Wayne Gretzky's suggestion of a Rolls-Royce gift that created greater expectations.
Alex Ovechkin's tribute night ruffles feathers among Washington Capitals fans
The Washington Capitals threw everything at their disposal into celebrating Alex Ovechkin's record-breaking accomplishment. The 39-year-old forward, who spent 15 games out of the lineup with a broken leg this season, still broke the NHL all-time goal record.
President of Hockey Operations Brian MacLellan gave Alex Ovechkin a full-sized golden hockey stick—engraved and constructed as a one-of-a-kind commemorative piece. The star's sons, Sergei and Ilya Ovechkin, accepted miniature versions of the same stick, while Ted Leonsis distributed luxury watches—Rolexes for Ovi and his mother, and a Cartier for his wife, Anastasia Shubskaya.
And to top it all off, the Capitals revealed a sculptural piece of art by Detroit artist TYP. The 6-foot work of art, puck-shaped and sporting actual casts of Ovechkin's skates and stick, brought a three-dimensional element to the tribute. While Ovechkin was visibly emotional, fans were divided in their reactions.
“We were there, and the lighting made it look like it was papier-mâché, like a piñata? We thought for sure something was going to pop out. Like football kids through the banner…” a fan said.
Wayne Gretzky's Rolls-Royce comment creates unrealistic expectations
Some of the backlash came as a result of comments Wayne Gretzky made before the ceremony. “I told Mr. Leonsis, when I broke the record, they got me a Rolls-Royce. So I hope they get you something,” he said.
“I really thought after the Gretzky comment that Leonsis was going to toss Ovi keys to a new Rolls-Royce,” another fan shared.
Also Read: No more chasing—Alex Ovechkin’s hitting back as Capitals surge to top
Alex Ovechkin, however, remained grateful. “It’s such a great moment for me, my family, and the organization, for DC. It’s great,” he said.
While fans will certainly bicker over the execution, the moment itself is not in dispute: the history of the game was being written, and the Capital One Arena was perfectly positioned to receive it.
Alex Ovechkin's tribute night ruffles feathers among Washington Capitals fans
The Washington Capitals threw everything at their disposal into celebrating Alex Ovechkin's record-breaking accomplishment. The 39-year-old forward, who spent 15 games out of the lineup with a broken leg this season, still broke the NHL all-time goal record.
President of Hockey Operations Brian MacLellan gave Alex Ovechkin a full-sized golden hockey stick—engraved and constructed as a one-of-a-kind commemorative piece. The star's sons, Sergei and Ilya Ovechkin, accepted miniature versions of the same stick, while Ted Leonsis distributed luxury watches—Rolexes for Ovi and his mother, and a Cartier for his wife, Anastasia Shubskaya.
And to top it all off, the Capitals revealed a sculptural piece of art by Detroit artist TYP. The 6-foot work of art, puck-shaped and sporting actual casts of Ovechkin's skates and stick, brought a three-dimensional element to the tribute. While Ovechkin was visibly emotional, fans were divided in their reactions.
“We were there, and the lighting made it look like it was papier-mâché, like a piñata? We thought for sure something was going to pop out. Like football kids through the banner…” a fan said.
Wayne Gretzky's Rolls-Royce comment creates unrealistic expectations
Some of the backlash came as a result of comments Wayne Gretzky made before the ceremony. “I told Mr. Leonsis, when I broke the record, they got me a Rolls-Royce. So I hope they get you something,” he said.
“I really thought after the Gretzky comment that Leonsis was going to toss Ovi keys to a new Rolls-Royce,” another fan shared.
Also Read: No more chasing—Alex Ovechkin’s hitting back as Capitals surge to top
Alex Ovechkin, however, remained grateful. “It’s such a great moment for me, my family, and the organization, for DC. It’s great,” he said.
While fans will certainly bicker over the execution, the moment itself is not in dispute: the history of the game was being written, and the Capital One Arena was perfectly positioned to receive it.
You may also like
Trump administration freezes $2 billion in US education funds after Harvard refuses demands
TapFin Floats NBFC GoGreen Capital To Offer Green Financing Solutions
Arsenal and Mikel Arteta must be brave and stand by £20m star as £50m ace linked
Banks slammed over red tape misery for heartbroken families
Strictly's Jay McGuinness' sobs on pilgrimage for The Wanted bandmate Tom Parker
