Ovechkin's "Heinz 57" Yell: The Story Behind the Iconic Celebration
Remember that moment? The Washington Capitals were on fire, scoring goals left and right, and suddenly, this hilarious chant erupted from the crowd: "Heinz 57!" What's the deal with that, you ask? Well, let's dive into the hilarious story of Ovi's iconic celebration, how it started, and why it stuck.
The Birth of a Legend
It all began in 2018, during a Capitals game against the Florida Panthers. Alex Ovechkin, the Russian Machine himself, was on a scoring tear. He potted a couple of goals, and as he celebrated, he yelled something that sounded an awful lot like "Heinz 57."
Now, Ovi's not exactly known for his perfect English, so the fans initially thought he was shouting out the popular condiment company. The chant, "Heinz 57!" took off like wildfire, and before long, the entire Verizon Center was chanting it in unison, along with Ovi himself.
The Real Story (and a Bit of Confusion)
Turns out, Ovi was actually trying to yell "Five-seven!" in reference to his jersey number. But, you know, with that thick Russian accent, it came out as "Heinz 57." The story got even funnier when a local news anchor reported that Ovechkin actually had a Heinz 57 sponsorship deal, adding another layer to the whole thing.
Ovechkin's "Heinz 57" Legacy
Even though the chant was born out of a misunderstanding, it became a staple of Capitals games and a huge part of Ovi's personality. His "Heinz 57" celebration became a symbol of his passion and excitement, adding to his already legendary status in hockey.
The Lasting Impact
So, the next time you hear that "Heinz 57" chant during a Capitals game, remember it's a celebration of Ovi's sheer power and scoring ability, all delivered with a hilarious dose of confusion and Russian accent. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best stories are born out of the most unexpected situations, and that hockey fans have a knack for finding the funny in anything. It's a legacy that will probably continue for years to come.