Ovechkin Retirement Buzz Has Ticket Prices Soaring

Capitals fans are paying like it's a once-in-a-lifetime night—even though no one's sure it is. Ticket prices for Sunday's home game against the Penguins are soaring on speculation it could be Alex Ovechkin's last home game in Washington, reports Axios. Average resale prices on TickPick have hit $377, nearly triple the usual $102, with even upper-deck seats on Ticketmaster starting above $220. Those seeking premium seats can expect to see asking prices over $2,000, a trend that began before the season even began, notes the Washingtonian.

The 40-year-old Ovechkin—the league's all-time leading goal scorer—is wrapping up his 21st season and says he hasn't yet decided whether he will retire after this year, notes the Athletic. "I have to make a decision in the summer," he told team broadcaster John Walton in an interview. The Capitals are not yet eliminated from playoff contention, but they are big long shots to make it this season.