Alex Ovechkin encouraged fans to throw hats for Erik Gustafsson, went on floor to take postgame photo of Gus

Erik Gustafsson grew to become the third defenseman in Capitals historical past to attain a hat trick within the Capitals’ 5-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, Saturday. Whereas followers in attendance wished to see historical past and an Alex Ovechkin aim, The Gus Bus’s career-best efficiency appeared to make up for that.

Gus’s second additionally appeared to take stress off Ovechkin, who may very well be seen enthusiastically rooting for his teammate all night time.

For example, when the Swede hit the again of the online for the third time, Ovechkin grew to become Gus’s largest cheerleader from the bench.

NBC Sports activities Washington cameras discovered Ovechkin on the bench making an arm sign to followers to throw their hats.

Gustafsson smiled and laughed when he was advised by NBC Sports activities Washington’s Al Koken postgame that Ovechkin did that for him.

“No, I didn’t see that,” Gustafsson mentioned. “I kinda blacked on the market for somewhat bit.”

Ovechkin didn’t cease there. Contained in the locker room, Ovechkin awarded Gus the workforce’s massive yellow rope.

Ovi then laid on the locker room ground on his stomach to take a photograph of Gus whereas he did the power check.

What number of future Hockey Corridor of Famers do issues like this? Ovi is considered one of a sort and for extra causes than simply the targets.