Today, the NHL world might have witnessed one of the most wholesome moments in the history of the sport. Archrivals Alexander Ovechkin and Kris Letang shared a moment that didn’t melt the ice rink, but did melt fans’ hearts.

The match between the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins was thrilling to say the least. The rivals from the Metropolitan Division showed a heated battle, which ended on a warm note featuring two star players. Both Alexander Ovechkin and Kris Letang giving each other a pat on their waists, was seen as Ovechkin showing sympathy for Letang’s recent hardships.

Letang has had a rough stretch lately. First, he suffered his second stroke in his NHL career. After missing some games, he did make a comeback only to get injured. His father’s recent demise was an added blow to the Penguins’ defenceman.

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Seeing two bitter rival teams, show compassion for each other, became the highlight of the game. The match itself was a great one that saw Ovechkin score the one-timer in style. While it featured plenty of action from both teams, the Washington Capitals won on penalties, 3-2.

NHL fans just loved the match

Fans from both rival teams came together to thank Alexander Ovechkin for his thoughtful gesture. The Washington Capitals might have won the match, but Ovechkin has won the hearts of the fans. Here are some wholesome comments to prove that-

“Ovechkin has always been known as a very empathetic, compassionate and classy guy off the ice. There was another situation very similar to this where his compassion was shown when he gave his condolances to Brian Burke about Burke’s son’s death. Ovechkin never played for Burke, but he saw him pass by the dressing room and called out to him. He put his arm around Burke’s shoulder and said ‘I am so sorry about your son’. If that’s not compassionate, then I don’t know what is. Letang suffering another stroke is not a good sign. I’m not a fan of the Penguins, but I would never wish that on any person, including my worst enemy (if I had one).”

“As a caps fan, I always loved our rivalry, and I’m happy you guys have always given us your best!l and resulted in some of the best games to watch!”

“Ovie really seems like a genuinely good guy. I recall some moments that make me like him, like declining a penalty when falling on his own, or giving a tap of appreciation to the goalie who made a great save on his shot.”

“Caps fans are so lucky to have such a player like Ovi.”

“That’s one of reasons I absolutely love hockey. Tremendous sportsmanship (most of the time). You just don’t see things like in other sports.”

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What do you think of this kind gesture between two rivals? Let us know in the comment section.