The only thing that may infuriate the opposition more than Alex Ovechkin is a winning Alex Ovechkin.
During the Capitals’ third victory over the rival Pittsburgh Penguins this season, Ovechkin notched his NHL-best 37th goal, set up Joel Ward’s game-winner, and drew the ire of Pittsburgh fans by slashing the Penguins’ best defenceman, Kris Letang.
An “Ovie sucks!” chant rained down.
So furious was one Consol Energy Center attendee Tuesday night, the fan dumped a cup of beer on the Washington captain while the player was on the bench during a testy third period.
Worse: It wasn’t even the Capitals’ brew of choice: Olde English.
The beverage also splashed the Caps’ head athletic trainer, Greg Smith:
“He was probably thirsty anyway,” Washington coach Barry Trotz told reporters post-game.
“The fans were into it. I haven’t been over here on this side a whole lot, but they’ve had quite a rivalry over the years and it sounds like the rivalry is coming back.”
There is no truth to the rumour that the Penguins fan in question was Ryan Getzlaf.
The Metropolitan Division rivalry resumes next week, when Sidney Crosby & Co. visit Ovechkin in D.C. on Feb. 25.