Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin proved he can still put on a show. Playing in Yekaterinburg, Russia, the 39-year-old forward scored three times and added two assists during Pavel Datsyuk’s farewell “Magic Game.” The exhibition ended with Team Datsyuk skating away with a 13-8 victory.
Can Alex Ovechkin Still Steal the Show at 39?
Ovechkin’s night included a jaw-dropping between-the-legs goal that had the arena buzzing. Skating with Ilya Kovalchuk and Sergei Fedorov, he looked sharp and energetic, not like a veteran heading into his 21st NHL season.
The matchup featured a lineup filled with Russian greats from different generations. For Datsyuk, it was a chance to say goodbye in front of a home crowd. For Ovechkin, it was a chance to honor someone he has looked up to for years.
“Datsyuk was such a mentor, a role model,” Ovechkin told MatchTV. “His work on and off the ice, his human qualities will be remembered for a lifetime.”
Ovechkin picked up an assist on Kovalchuk’s goal before taking over the game himself. He scored in three different ways, with a strong drive to the net, a creative trick-shot finish, and a quick strike off a crisp passing play with Datsyuk and Kovalchuk.
Datsyuk, who is now 47, had his own big moments. He scored twice, including the team’s final goal, which felt fitting for his farewell night. He also chipped in with assists, linking up with old teammates one more time.
Inside UMMC Arena, fans were treated to something special. The ice was packed with talent, from Kirill Kaprizov to Viacheslav Fetisov, mixing hockey’s past and present. The exhibition wasn’t just about goals and highlights; it was a tribute to Datsyuk’s unique style, the reason so many called him “The Magic Man.”
Pavel Datsyuk’s Legacy Lives On
Datsyuk’s goodbye signals the end of a career that left a huge mark on hockey. He played his entire NHL career with Detroit, winning two Stanley Cups and four Lady Byng trophies, along with three Selke awards. Earlier this year, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Some of his Red Wings teammates couldn’t travel due to political circumstances. Datsyuk admitted he wished Nicklas Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg, and others could have joined, but he noted they’ve been part of his journey all along.
These days, he is passing on his knowledge. As a development coach with KHL side Avtomobilist, he works with young players who still watch him in awe. Even now, prospects say his advice and skill remain relevant.
For Ovechkin, the Magic Game was more than nostalgia. It was also a reminder that he still thrives in the spotlight. Already the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer with 897 career tallies, he doesn’t appear to be slowing down.