Alex Ovechkin made his remarkable run to that elusive first Stanley Cup (and Conn Smythe Trophy) that much more entertaining by wearing his heart on his sleeve.
Who could forget his adorable, like-all-of-us reaction to Braden Holtby’s incredible save on Alex Tuch? Along with silencing his doubters with a truly outstanding playoff run, Ovechkin was as boisterous as the young sniper who captivated the NHL just about from day one of his career. That boyish spirit was there tonight, even with gray hair visible in his mountain man beard.
For lovers and haters alike, it was surreal to see Ovechkin and the Capitals finally break through and win the Stanley Cup via a 4-3 Game 5 win against the equally unlikely Vegas Golden Knights, and that unreal feeling showed in Ovechkin’s giddy displays when the Stanley Cup was secured.
“I don’t know what to say, it’s unbelievable,” Ovechkin told Pierre McGuire not long after winning it all.
(Watch that interview in the video above this post’s headline.)
Naturally, this playoff run was about more than Ovechkin, although you could do worse than to scroll the NHL on NBC Twitter feed to leaf through other fantastic Ovi reactions.
Ovechkin’s embrace with Nicklas Backstrom was one of those often-dreamed-about moments for the franchise. T.J. Oshie was moved to tears discussing what this run means to him and his father. Barry Trotz enjoyed his moment in the sun, and much more.
If you want a quick summation of the key players (from starts to starting to goalie to grinders), the team picture isn’t a bad place to start. There’s something fitting about Devante Smith-Pelly timing his arrival just right to be in the thick of things, too.
Don't forget @smithpelly23. pic.twitter.com/KL0rwFKEQl
— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) June 8, 2018
Naturally, Capitals fans were ecstatic, particularly those who’ve been through thick and very thin.
This young fan captured their mood in glorious fashion:
This is what it's all about. Memories that will last forever. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/ND1LcNUCge
— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) June 8, 2018
It really doesn’t get much better than that. Normally, we’d say “just ask Ovechkin,” but he’s probably a little busy right now.
Actually, maybe Barry Trotz wins it:
TROTZY!!!!! #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/FCHiTTLyQs
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 8, 2018
Want to watch Game 5 in its entirety? Click here.
MORE:
Capitals break D.C. drought, win Stanley Cup.
Ovechkin takes home Conn Smythe.
James O’Brien is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @cyclelikesedins.
