Capitals Celebrate 5-1 Win Over Wild With Locker-Room Visit From Bald Eagle Penny

Overview

• Washington defeated Minnesota 5-1, then invited the bald eagle into the renovated dressing room for a postgame photo.
• Players reacted with awe and caution, with Brandon Duhaime backing away as the bird adjusted its feathers under handler supervision.
• Earlier in the evening, the raptor joined a ceremonial puck drop featuring Capitals alumni Peter Bondra, Calle Johansson and Olaf Kolzig, with Alex Ovechkin and Jared Spurgeon taking the draw.
• Penny briefly flapped and inverted near the Capitals bench before settling on Mary Beth Gosnell’s forearm, and no injuries were reported.
• The appearances promoted the debut of Washington’s Screaming Eagle third jerseys, and reporting noted Penny’s background as a rescued American Eagle Foundation ambassador since 2016.