Evgeni Malkin breaks tradition after Alex Ovechkin’s NHL retirement announcement

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin broke his longtime media routine Monday after Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin announced that the 2026-27 season will be his final NHL campaign. Malkin reflected on their shared history, rivalry and friendship while acknowledging the significance of Ovechkin’s decision. The moment added another emotional layer to one of the NHL’s defining rivalries.