Alex Ovechkin is a classy guy.
Washington Capitals’ captain Alex Ovechkin shared a nice moment with Montreal Canadiens’ goaltender Carey Price on Saturday. Price finally made his season debut Friday vs New York after entering the NHL’s player assistance program back in October.
Price received a massive ovation from the crowd at Bell Centre when he returned to the ice Friday. One night later, Price took a seat on the bench for the Habs game against Washington. Sam Montembeault got the start for the back-to-back situation.
Montreal fans are obviously happy to have their starting goalie back, but we’re also seeing respect from opposing players. During a stoppage in play Saturday, Washington’s Ovechkin gave Price a fist bump on the bench and welcomed him back into the league.
Check out this great clip from TVA Sports:
Ovechkin 🤜 Price pic.twitter.com/ai9mARlUHs
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) April 17, 2022
Washington and Montreal have played countless games against each other in the Eastern Conference, which has made Ovechkin greatly respect Price. Back in 2018, Ovechkin gave a round of applause for Price after the Habs’ goalie made a spectacular save.
Alex Ovechkin high fives Carey Price after that absolutely insane save. pic.twitter.com/lY0dcjhCU0
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) November 20, 2018
It’s great to see this sportsmanship between Ovechkin and Price. Even though they play on rival teams, they have a great deal of respect for each other’s talents. You also can’t forget their epic seven-game playoff series back in 2010.
Price has battled substance abuse issues and even said back in January there was a possibility his career could be in jeopardy. We’re hoping Price got the help he needs and continues playing in the NHL while remaining healthy.
Small gestures like the one we saw from Ovechkin on Saturday can go a long way in making a player feel welcome. Props to Ovechkin for acknowledging Price’s return to the game.
