WASHINGTON -- Hall of Famer Mike Gartner's No. 11 was retired by the Washington Capitals last night before their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, another of his former NHL teams.
Alex Ovechkin and the other current Capitals all took to the ice for pregame warmups wearing white throwback uniforms with Gartner's number in blue, although each player had his own last name stitched across the shoulders. The jerseys were to be auctioned off during the game to benefit a charity chosen by Gartner.
Gartner is the fourth member of the Capitals to have his number retired. He ranks second in club history in goals (397), assists (392) and points, having played 10 of his 19 NHL seasons in Washington.
He finished with 708 goals, sixth in NHL history, and a record 17 seasons with at least 30 goals. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.