Washington Capitals games tend to bring out the entire city and each game you never know which star you may see sitting behind the glass. In Game 2, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was on hand to support Alex Ovechkin and company and got a rousing ovation.
Rookie of the Year meets the NHL's GOAT
Jayden Daniels wasn't the only athlete in attendance as other Commanders players were on hand to witness what would go on to be a 3-1 Capitals win over the Montreal Canadiens to go up 2-0 in the first round series.
Daniels was alongside his fellow quarterbacks Marcus Mariota and Sam Hartman and the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year was easily the star among the trio.
Following the game Daniels and other Commanders players were invited into the locker room where they met Alex Ovechkin. Ovi would present Daniels with a special gift: a signed stick.
The #Gr8 and QB1@ovi8 x @JayD__5 pic.twitter.com/46t8mD5mlB
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 24, 2025
Ovechkin became a big Commanders fan throughout his 20 year career and often attended games at Northwest Stadium. Daniels was also seen with Spencer Carbery, Lars Eller, and Ryan Leonard.
This night deserves a HAIL YA#ALLCAPS x #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/mTKaHeOMhO
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 24, 2025
After decades of despair, the Commanders turned things around this past autumn as they made it to their first NFC championship game in 33 years. Daniels rookie season captured the hearts of fans everywhere as he threw for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns while rushing for six touchdowns.
Daniels has a long way to go if he wants to replicate the type of success Alex Ovechkin has had with the Capitals. But after just one season, fans around the area are believing in football once again. For the first time in a long time.
During the down years of the Commanders, back when they were called the Redskins and had one of the worst owners in sports, the Caps seized the opportunity ahead of them in Ovechkin's early and prime years by making the playoffs consistently.
In the meantime, Daniels can draw on the inspiration Ovechkin has provided this season and Ovechkin can do the same based on Daniels rookie year. They both are the faces of DC Sports and for good reason.