Normally a handshake line is reserved for the postseason, but this exception seemed fitting.

After Tuesday’s matchup between the Los Angeles Kings and Washington Capitals at Crypto.com Arena, the Capitals lined up to honor Anze Kopitar with hugs and handshakes.

Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin led the way, and his teammates followed suit in showing respect to one of the greats, who will be retiring at the end of the season .

"(We) just wanted to congratulate him on an amazing career," Ovechkin said to reporters after the game. "Obviously, it’s a sad moment, but it’s life, and it’s sad but I wish him all the best.

"It’s a show of respect, obviously. It’s a game, but after the whistle, it’s to show respect to him for all he’s done for this game, for this league, and it’s just about

See Full Page