Photos: @Capitals

The Washington Capitals return to action tonight when they host the Columbus Blue Jackets at Capital One Arena. But prior to the game the team will celebrate Alex Ovechkin’s moving into second place on the all-time goals list.

The celebration began with players arriving, donning special Alex Ovechkin commemorative t-shirts. The players strolled to the locker room down a hallway lined with Capitals fans.

Photos: @Capitals

A host of Caps’ season ticket holders greeted players as they entered the arena for the game, and all fans in attendance will receive an Ovechkin goal counter bobble head doll courtesy of Capital One to commemorate the occasion.

Caps fans SHOWED OUT to celebrate the captain 😮

Watch as they salute Alex Ovechkin as he arrives for tonight’s #Gr802 celebration and game vs. Columbus!

Coverage of the special event begins at 6:30 on @NBCSWashington!! pic.twitter.com/pMPGNHENZy

— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) March 21, 2023

Ovechkin’s teammates will sport a No. 8 sweater for pregame warmups. Those sweaters will then be signed and auctioned off to benefit the Monumental Sports and Entertainment Foundation at a later date.

Photos: @Capitals

Prior to Tuesday’s game with Columbus, the Caps will hold a ceremony to honor Ovechkin. Among the dignitaries on hand for the event will be NHLPA director Marty Walsh, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly and Hockey Hall of Famer Mark Howe, Gordie’s son and former teammate with the WHA Houston Aeros and New England/Hartford Whalers and the NHL’s Hartford Whalers.

During the pre-game ceremony itself, Ovechkin will be presented with a number of gifts from the organization, from the League, from the NHLPA and from his teammates as well. Caps’ television play-by-play voice Joe Beninati will emcee the event on the ice, and Ovechkin’s family members and Caps’ majority owner Ted Leonsis and team president Dick Patrick will also be on the ice to join The Great Eight on his special night.

PHOTOS FROM THE CAPITALS