Canes defenseman Dmitry Orlov made his return to Capital One Arena on Friday to face his former team, the Capitals, who played a tribute video for their longtime blueliner with his career highlights. The crowd applauded and Orlov genuinely looked happy as he raised his stick, pumped his fist and saluted the fans.
Orlov was drafted by Washington in 2009 and played 686 before being sent to Boston at last season’s trade deadline. He later signed with Carolina.
He scored an empty net goal late in the game to give the Canes a 5-2 lead, and also had an assist earlier in the game.
“I spent 12 years with the organization and the city. I have a lot of good memories and I went through a lot of things there,” he told the Hurricanes media. “It’s going to be emotional and special.”
What a privilege it was seeing you turn into one of the Capital greats.
Here's to you, Orly. Welcome back!#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/1FVuvT6xUH
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 6, 2024
This is my favorite Orlov goal:
Here he is during warmups tonight:
