Alex Ovechkin led the Washington Capitals back onto the ice for a handshake line with Marc-Andre Fleury after the legendary goalie’s final game against the Capitals. And it was a special moment for goalie Charlie Lindgren.
Marc-Andre Fleury is retiring after the 2024-25 season, and on Thursday, he faced the Capitals for the last time in his career. Though he didn’t start the game, that didn’t stop the Capitals from making a grand gesture afterward.
After a 4-2 loss, the Capitals players were heading to the locker room when Ovechkin skated over and pulled them back onto the ice. At his urging, the team formed a long handshake line—a beautiful display of respect and appreciation for one of the greatest goalies of his generation.
Charlie Lindgren’s words to Fleury
Fleury and Ovechkin shared a hug, but the moment was also meaningful for Lindgren. The Capitals goalie, nine years younger than Fleury, finally had the chance to express his admiration.
“Obviously one heck of a career,” Lindgren said of Fleury. “He was definitely one of my favorite goalies growing up. The way he competed, the way he battled, just his personality. I never had a chance to talk to him [until then], so I just said, ‘Hey, heck of a career. Loved watching you play.’”
Several Capitals players paid tribute to Fleury, one of the winningest goalies in NHL history. If he does retire after this season, he will undoubtedly be a first-ballot Hall of Famer in three years.
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