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WATCH: Islanders line up to congratulate Jeff Carter after what was seemingly his final NHL game
In a touching display of sportsmanship and respect, players from the New York Islanders lined up to congratulate the Penguins forward Jeff Carter following what was seemingly his last NHL game on Wednesday night at UBS Arena.
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The 38-year-old veteran forward, who announced his retirement after an impressive 19-year career, was met with a loud ovation from the crowd as he was named the third star of the game.
Carter had a career playing for four teams. He spent six seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, one season with the Columbus Blue Jackets and ten seasons with the Los Angeles Kings and before finishing his four seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Carter was welcomed by his wife and children on the Penguins bench, a heartwarming moment that highlighted the support his family has provided throughout his career.
"I'm going to be a dad," Carter said after the game. "You miss a lot being a hockey player - you're in and out in a way... My family sacrificed a lot for me to live out my dream. I'm going to be home and be a dad and then figure it out from there."
With 1,321 NHL games played and 851 points (442 goals, 409 assists), Carter leaves a legacy as one of his generation's most consistent and reliable forwards.
Sidney Crosby's comments about his teammate Jeff Carter's retirement
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby had high praise for his teammate Jeff Carter following Carter's retirement announcement after the Penguins' final regular season game on Wednesday night.
Despite the disappointing 5-4 loss to the New York Islanders, Crosby took the time to reflect on Carter's impressive career accomplishments.
"When you look at everything he's accomplished, he's basically won everything possible," Crosby said. "He had a Calder Cup early, just to get that out of the way. He's got a pretty amazing resume. It’s been a lot of fun, and it's been an honor to play with him."
Crosby went on to laud Jeff Carter's consistency and professionalism over his long career, saying.
"He’s just had an amazing career, and honestly, he's the same guy that I remember meeting when I was 16. Just a lot of poise, great guy in the room, brings it every single night. He’s had an amazing career."
The two stars were teammates early in their careers, representing Canada together.
"A lot. We played together at World Juniors, and kind of grew up playing with Team Canada together and then played against him when he was just Philadelphia [grins], so a bit of a rivalry there. Things change," Crosby said.
While the loss ended the Penguins' season prematurely, Crosby wanted to make sure Jeff Carter's career accomplishments were properly celebrated.
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