After a tough 4-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild on March 27, 2025, Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin led a heartfelt postgame tribute to retiring goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury.

Ovechkin, who did not score in the game and remains at 889 career goals, was the first to greet Fleury with a hug during the postgame handshake line.

This moment served as a valuable lesson in sportsmanship, showcasing the importance of respect in competition for younger generations.

Fleury, now in his 21st NHL season and fourth with the Wild, boasts impressive career statistics, including 1,048 games played and 573 wins, ranking him second all-time among goalies.

This game marked the last matchup against Fleury, who has faced Ovechkin frequently during his career, particularly during Ovechkin's early years with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Ovechkin's next chance to score will be against the Buffalo Sabres on March 30, 2025, as he aims to close in on Wayne Gretzky's record.

The handshake tribute highlighted the respect Fleury garnered throughout his career, emphasizing the bond formed through years of rivalry.

The Wild, currently 41-27-5, played with urgency to secure their playoff position while effectively containing Ovechkin, who faced tight defensive coverage.

Wild players expressed admiration for Fleury, acknowledging his legacy and the respect he commands across the league, with defenseman Jonas Brodin highlighting his character and skill.

Fleury has defeated Ovechkin's Capitals in three playoff series before Ovechkin finally won the Stanley Cup against Fleury's Golden Knights in 2018.

Capitals coach Spencer Carbery praised Ovechkin's classy gesture, recognizing Fleury's impressive career and the intense battles he had with the Capitals.

The emotional scene was reminiscent of Mariano Rivera's retirement tribute, as both teams honored Fleury's impact on the game.