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Third-tier Bielefeld stuns Leverkusen in German Cup upset, beats defending champ 2-1 to reach final

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Third-tier Bielefeld stuns Leverkusen in German Cup upset, beats defending champ 2-1 to reach final
News

News

Third-tier Bielefeld stuns Leverkusen in German Cup upset, beats defending champ 2-1 to reach final

2025-04-02 05:40 Last Updated At：05:52

BIELEFELD, Germany (AP) — Arminia Bielefeld pulled off a major upset in the German Cup on Tuesday by defeating defending champion Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 in their semifinal match.

The third-division team came from behind after Jonathan Tah gave the visitors a 17th-minute lead.

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Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, 2nd left, scores their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, 2nd left, scores their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)
Leverkusen's Piero Hincapie, left, and Bielefeld's Noah Sarenren Bazee fight for the ball during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Leverkusen's Piero Hincapie, left, and Bielefeld's Noah Sarenren Bazee fight for the ball during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)
Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, 2nd left, scores their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, 2nd left, scores their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)
Leverkusen's Patrik Schick, left, and Bielefeld's Stefano Russo fight for the ball during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Leverkusen's Patrik Schick, left, and Bielefeld's Stefano Russo fight for the ball during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)
Bielefeld's Marius W'rl, second right, celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Marius W'rl, second right, celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

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Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, left, celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, left, celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)
Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, center, celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, center, celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)
Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, left, celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game with Bielefeld's Ma'l Corboz during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, left, celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game with Bielefeld's Ma'l Corboz during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)
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Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, 2nd left, scores their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, 2nd left, scores their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Leverkusen's Piero Hincapie, left, and Bielefeld's Noah Sarenren Bazee fight for the ball during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Leverkusen's Piero Hincapie, left, and Bielefeld's Noah Sarenren Bazee fight for the ball during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, 2nd left, scores their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, 2nd left, scores their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Leverkusen's Patrik Schick, left, and Bielefeld's Stefano Russo fight for the ball during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Leverkusen's Patrik Schick, left, and Bielefeld's Stefano Russo fight for the ball during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Marius W'rl, second right, celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Marius W'rl, second right, celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, left, celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, left, celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, center, celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, center, celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, left, celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game with Bielefeld's Ma'l Corboz during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, left, celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game with Bielefeld's Ma'l Corboz during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Marius Wörl replied three minutes later and Maximilian Großer scored Bielefeld’s second goal just before the break.

The home team looked more likely to add to that tally as the Leverkusen players looked jaded.

“I'm just proud of this team,” Bielefeld coach Mitch Kniat said as most of the fans the small stadium sang around him. “No one will sleep in the city tonight.”

Patrik Schick went closest for the visitors in the 81st when his header struck the post.

“That was by far our worst game of the season,” said Leverkusen midfielder Robert Andrich, who added that the absence of injured star Florian Wirtz was no excuse. “With all due respect to Bielefeld, we should be able to beat them with the squad we have.”

Leverkusen won the title last year as part of an unprecedented domestic league cup double without losing a game.

Bielefeld is currently fourth in Germany’s third division with eight rounds remaining. Only the top three have a chance of promotion with the top two going straight up to the second division.

To reach the semifinal, Bielefeld each time defeated teams playing in higher divisions, starting with second-division Hannover in the first round, then Bundesliga sides Union Berlin, Freiburg, and Werder Bremen.

It's the first time Bielefeld has reached the German Cup final after failing in four previous semifinals, and the first time since Union Berlin in 2001 that a third-division team plays in the final. Energie Cottbus and Hertha Berlin II were the only other third-division teams to manage it. None of them won.

Stuttgart hosts Leipzig in the other semifinal on Wednesday with the winner going on to play Bielefeld in the German Cup final in Berlin next month.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, 2nd left, scores their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, 2nd left, scores their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

 Leverkusen's Piero Hincapie, left, and Bielefeld's Noah Sarenren Bazee fight for the ball during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Leverkusen's Piero Hincapie, left, and Bielefeld's Noah Sarenren Bazee fight for the ball during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

 Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, 2nd left, scores their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, 2nd left, scores their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

 Leverkusen's Patrik Schick, left, and Bielefeld's Stefano Russo fight for the ball during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Leverkusen's Patrik Schick, left, and Bielefeld's Stefano Russo fight for the ball during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)
Bielefeld's Marius W'rl, second right, celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Marius W'rl, second right, celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

 Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, left, celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, left, celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

 Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, center, celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, center, celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

 Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, left, celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game with Bielefeld's Ma'l Corboz during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

Bielefeld's Maximilian Gro'er, left, celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game with Bielefeld's Ma'l Corboz during the German soccer cup, DFB Pokal, semi-final soccer match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer Leverkusen in Bielefeld, Germany, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)

This is a photo collection curated by AP photo editors.

Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker)

Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker)

 A man wearing a suit of mascot of Dynamo hockey club hangs digits showing number of goals scored by Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin in his NHL career at the VTB Arena – Dynamo Central Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Dmitry Serebryakov)

A man wearing a suit of mascot of Dynamo hockey club hangs digits showing number of goals scored by Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin in his NHL career at the VTB Arena – Dynamo Central Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Dmitry Serebryakov)

 FILE - Washington Capitals Alex Ovechkin, from Russia, holds up the Stanley Cup trophy during the NHL hockey team's Stanley Cup victory celebration, Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at the National Mall in Washington. The U.S. Capitol rises in the background. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals Alex Ovechkin, from Russia, holds up the Stanley Cup trophy during the NHL hockey team's Stanley Cup victory celebration, Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at the National Mall in Washington. The U.S. Capitol rises in the background. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) watches his team play during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) watches his team play during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong, File)

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FILE - Alexander Ovechkin, of Russia, speaks to the media during a NHL hockey news conferece, Friday, June 25, 2004, in Durham, N.C., prior to the NHL draft. AP Photo/ Karl DeBlaker, File)

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FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) watches from the bench during an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong, File)

 FILE - Alexander Ovechkin, center, of Russia, shakes hands with Washington Capitals officials after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL Draft, Saturday, June 26, 2004, at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/ Karl DeBlaker)

FILE - Alexander Ovechkin, center, of Russia, shakes hands with Washington Capitals officials after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL Draft, Saturday, June 26, 2004, at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/ Karl DeBlaker)

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 FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8) watches during a faceoff in the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8) watches during a faceoff in the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker, File)

 FILE - Alexander Ovechkin, 19, the Washington Capitals' 2004 number one draft pick, holds up his team jersey during a news conference at the MCI Center in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005, to announce his signing with the team. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

FILE - Alexander Ovechkin, 19, the Washington Capitals' 2004 number one draft pick, holds up his team jersey during a news conference at the MCI Center in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005, to announce his signing with the team. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

 FILE - Russia's Alexander Ovechkin, reported to be the number one pick in next month's NHL hockey draft, answers reporters questions before the start of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs in Tampa, Fla., Thursday, May 27, 2004. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

FILE - Russia's Alexander Ovechkin, reported to be the number one pick in next month's NHL hockey draft, answers reporters questions before the start of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs in Tampa, Fla., Thursday, May 27, 2004. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

 FILE - Alexander Ovechkin, of Russia, puts on a Washington Capitals hat after being selected as the first overall pick of the NHL Draft, Saturday, June 26, 2004, at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/ Karl DeBlaker, File)

FILE - Alexander Ovechkin, of Russia, puts on a Washington Capitals hat after being selected as the first overall pick of the NHL Draft, Saturday, June 26, 2004, at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/ Karl DeBlaker, File)

 FILE - Russia's Alexander Ovechkin celebrates his goal against Slovakia during World Cup of Hockey tournament in Toronto, Sunday Sept. 5, 2004. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP, iIle)

FILE - Russia's Alexander Ovechkin celebrates his goal against Slovakia during World Cup of Hockey tournament in Toronto, Sunday Sept. 5, 2004. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP, iIle)

 FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin skates after the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks Wednesday, March 1, 2023, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin skates after the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks Wednesday, March 1, 2023, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

 FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) scores against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard (30) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) scores against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard (30) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

 FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) walks off the ice after warm ups before a NHL hockey game against the San Jose Sharks, Saturday, March 15, 2025 in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)

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 People walk past a billboard depicting Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin marking his NHL career goals with the words reading "Ovechkin is always first!" in St. Petersburg, Russia, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

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 The goal counter reads 888 for the number of career goals by Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin after he scored during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

The goal counter reads 888 for the number of career goals by Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin after he scored during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

 Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

 Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his 889th NHL goal against the Winnipeg Jets during the third period of their NHL hockey game in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (Fred Greenslade/The Canadian Press via AP)

Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his 889th NHL goal against the Winnipeg Jets during the third period of their NHL hockey game in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (Fred Greenslade/The Canadian Press via AP)

 Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin takes to the ice to warm up before an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin takes to the ice to warm up before an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

 FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin poses with the Maurice Richard Trophy, the Stanley Cup, the Conn Smythe Trophy, and the Prince of Wales Trophy, from left, after the NHL Awards, Wednesday, June 20, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin poses with the Maurice Richard Trophy, the Stanley Cup, the Conn Smythe Trophy, and the Prince of Wales Trophy, from left, after the NHL Awards, Wednesday, June 20, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

 FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, of Russia, hoists the Stanley Cup after the Capitals defeated the Golden Knights in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, of Russia, hoists the Stanley Cup after the Capitals defeated the Golden Knights in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

 Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) hits the puck past Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (1) to score during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) hits the puck past Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (1) to score during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)

 Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) reacts after scoring a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) reacts after scoring a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)

 Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin warms up before an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin warms up before an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

 Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin warms up before an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin warms up before an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

 FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin reacts during a media availability at the team's NHL hockey training camp in Arlington, Va., Sept. 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin reacts during a media availability at the team's NHL hockey training camp in Arlington, Va., Sept. 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

 FILE - New York Rangers' Wayne Gretzky (99) celebrates scoring a goal in the third period during an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars in Dallas, Friday, Nov. 7, 1997. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

FILE - New York Rangers' Wayne Gretzky (99) celebrates scoring a goal in the third period during an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars in Dallas, Friday, Nov. 7, 1997. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

 FILE - Los Angeles Kings' Wayne Gretzky (99) of the Los Angeles Kings scores his record-setting 802nd career NHL goal during an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks in Wednesday, March 23, 1994, at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Draper, File)

FILE - Los Angeles Kings' Wayne Gretzky (99) of the Los Angeles Kings scores his record-setting 802nd career NHL goal during an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks in Wednesday, March 23, 1994, at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Draper, File)

 FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin celebrates his second goal of the game during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin celebrates his second goal of the game during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

 FILE - Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky laughs as he wears his new Hockey Hall of Fame ring during his induction ceremony at the Hall in Toronto, Nov. 22, 1999. (AP Photo/Frank Gunn, File)

FILE - Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky laughs as he wears his new Hockey Hall of Fame ring during his induction ceremony at the Hall in Toronto, Nov. 22, 1999. (AP Photo/Frank Gunn, File)

 FILE - Edmonton Oilers Wayne Gretzky, right, shows his joy after registering his fourth goal during an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers in Philadelphia, March 7, 1981, as teammate Risto Siltanen comes to congratulate him. (AP Photo/Clem Murray, File)

FILE - Edmonton Oilers Wayne Gretzky, right, shows his joy after registering his fourth goal during an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers in Philadelphia, March 7, 1981, as teammate Risto Siltanen comes to congratulate him. (AP Photo/Clem Murray, File)

 FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia, follows through on a shot during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Wednesday, March 28, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia, follows through on a shot during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Wednesday, March 28, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

 FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin celebrates after his winning goal against the Ottawa Senators during overtime NHL hockey game action in Ottawa, Ontario, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin celebrates after his winning goal against the Ottawa Senators during overtime NHL hockey game action in Ottawa, Ontario, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

 FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

 FILE - Edmonton Oilers Wayne Gretzky, left, and New York Islanders Denis Potvin (5) jostle for a loose puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y., March 26, 1988. (AP Photo/Wa Funches)

FILE - Edmonton Oilers Wayne Gretzky, left, and New York Islanders Denis Potvin (5) jostle for a loose puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y., March 26, 1988. (AP Photo/Wa Funches)

 FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, of Russia, winds up for a shot during the second period of the team's NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Wednesday, March 28, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, FIle)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, of Russia, winds up for a shot during the second period of the team's NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Wednesday, March 28, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, FIle)

 FILE - Fans cheer as Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin celebrates his goal against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period of an NHL hockey game, on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, FIle)

FILE - Fans cheer as Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin celebrates his goal against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period of an NHL hockey game, on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, FIle)

 FILE - Russia's Alexander Ovechkin reacts after team's victory at the Ice Hockey World Championships bronze medal match between Russia and USA, in Moscow, Russia, on Sunday, May 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev, File)

FILE - Russia's Alexander Ovechkin reacts after team's victory at the Ice Hockey World Championships bronze medal match between Russia and USA, in Moscow, Russia, on Sunday, May 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev, File)

 Alexander Ovechkin, 19, the Washington Capitals' 2004 No. 1 draft pick, left, holds up his team jersey with team vice president and general manager George McPhee during a news conference at the MCI Center in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005 to announce Ovechkin's signing with the team. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

Alexander Ovechkin, 19, the Washington Capitals' 2004 No. 1 draft pick, left, holds up his team jersey with team vice president and general manager George McPhee during a news conference at the MCI Center in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005 to announce Ovechkin's signing with the team. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

 FILE - In this Dec. 14, 2019, file photo, Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin follows through on a shot against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)

FILE - In this Dec. 14, 2019, file photo, Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin follows through on a shot against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)

 FILE - Alex Ovechkin, left, of Russia, and his father Mikhail. Ovechkin reacts after being selected as the first overall pick by the Washington Capitals during the NHL Draft, June 26, 2004, at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/Grant Halverson, File)

FILE - Alex Ovechkin, left, of Russia, and his father Mikhail. Ovechkin reacts after being selected as the first overall pick by the Washington Capitals during the NHL Draft, June 26, 2004, at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/Grant Halverson, File)

 FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin poses in the in the locker room with his 798, 799, and 800th NHL career goal pucks following his hatrick in an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin poses in the in the locker room with his 798, 799, and 800th NHL career goal pucks following his hatrick in an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

 FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin acknowledges the crowd's applause after scoring his 800th NHL career goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin acknowledges the crowd's applause after scoring his 800th NHL career goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

 FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin poses with the puck commemorating his 700th NHL career goal that he scored against the New Jersey Devils in the third period at Prudential Center on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Newark, New Jersey. (Patrick McDermott/NHLI Pool Photo via AP, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin poses with the puck commemorating his 700th NHL career goal that he scored against the New Jersey Devils in the third period at Prudential Center on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Newark, New Jersey. (Patrick McDermott/NHLI Pool Photo via AP, File)

 FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his 700th NHL career goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his 700th NHL career goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)

 FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) watches his shot get past Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) for his 600th NHL career goal in the second period of a hockey game, Monday, March 12, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) watches his shot get past Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) for his 600th NHL career goal in the second period of a hockey game, Monday, March 12, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

 FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin celebrates his 600th career goal in the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Winnipeg Jets, Monday, March 12, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin celebrates his 600th career goal in the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Winnipeg Jets, Monday, March 12, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

 FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, (8) leaps in the air in celebration after scoring his 500th NHL career goal during the second period of a hockey game against the Ottawa Senators in Washington, D.C., Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, (8) leaps in the air in celebration after scoring his 500th NHL career goal during the second period of a hockey game against the Ottawa Senators in Washington, D.C., Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

 FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia, is congratulated by teammate Mike Green (52) after Ovechkin scored his 400th NHL career goal in the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, Dec. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia, is congratulated by teammate Mike Green (52) after Ovechkin scored his 400th NHL career goal in the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, Dec. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)

 FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8) scores an empty net goal for his 400th NHL career goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, Dec. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8) scores an empty net goal for his 400th NHL career goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, Dec. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)

 FILE - Washington Capitals Alexander Ovechkin, left, celebrates scoring his 300th NHL career goal with teammate Brooks Laich (21) during first period of an NHL hockey game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tuesday, April 5, 2011, in Toronto. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP, FIle)

FILE - Washington Capitals Alexander Ovechkin, left, celebrates scoring his 300th NHL career goal with teammate Brooks Laich (21) during first period of an NHL hockey game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tuesday, April 5, 2011, in Toronto. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP, FIle)

 FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia, celebrates after scoring his 200th NHL career goal with teammate Alexander Semin, left, during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings, Feb. 5, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia, celebrates after scoring his 200th NHL career goal with teammate Alexander Semin, left, during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings, Feb. 5, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

 FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alexander Ovechkin celebrates after scoring his 100th career NHL goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Friday, Oct. 12, 2007 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alexander Ovechkin celebrates after scoring his 100th career NHL goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Friday, Oct. 12, 2007 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)
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