Capitals Fans Chant 'One More Year' for Ovechkin

Veteran star waves off Penguins players after final home game of season

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:06am

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that evoke the raw emotion and excitement of a hockey arena filled with cheering fans.Capitals fans passionately chant for one more season from franchise icon Alex Ovechkin after his potential final home game.Washington Today

In the aftermath of the Washington Capitals' final regular season home game, veteran star Alex Ovechkin appeared to wave off Penguins players looking to shake his hand. Capitals fans then broke out in a chant of "one more year" during Ovechkin's postgame interview, hinting that the 37-year-old may return for a 22nd NHL season.

Why it matters

Ovechkin is one of the greatest players in NHL history, and his potential retirement would be a major storyline for the league. The Capitals and their fans are eager to see the franchise icon continue his career for at least one more season.

The details

After the Capitals' game against the Penguins, Ovechkin was seen waving off Penguins players who approached him for the traditional postgame handshake line. Moments later, Capitals fans in attendance began chanting "one more year" during Ovechkin's on-ice interview, indicating their desire for the 37-year-old star to return for the 2023-24 season.

  • The incident occurred after the Capitals' final regular season home game on April 13, 2026.

The players

Alex Ovechkin

A 37-year-old Russian winger who has played his entire 21-year NHL career with the Washington Capitals. Ovechkin is one of the greatest goal scorers in league history and a future Hall of Famer.

Washington Capitals

The NHL team based in Washington, D.C. that Ovechkin has played for since being drafted by the franchise in 2004.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The NHL team that is a longtime rival of the Washington Capitals in the Metropolitan Division.

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What they’re saying

“One more year!”

— Washington Capitals fans

What’s next

If Ovechkin decides to return for the 2023-24 season, it would mark his 22nd year in the NHL, all with the Capitals. The team and its fans will eagerly await his decision in the offseason.

The takeaway

Ovechkin's potential retirement would be a major storyline for the NHL, as he is one of the most iconic and accomplished players of his generation. The passionate response from Capitals fans underscores how much the franchise and its supporters want to see the legendary winger continue his career for at least one more season.