Wake up, sleepy head!

 Caps 4, Red Wings 2. Ovie scores 32nd and 33rd and leads the NHL in goals again. My prediction's of a hat-trick came up one goal shot, but I am keeping the sign BUY for tomorrow. It's going to happen tomorrow. A hat-trick. Just go to bed early, Alex. Total ice time for Alex 20:42, average shift 00:59, 5 hits, 5 shots on goal. Alex is third in points behind Malkin and Crosby. With 7 game winning goals (GWG) Alex is socond in the NHL (Patrik Marleau has 8). In comparison Malkin and Crosby have 1 GWG each.

Ovechkin's and Boudreau's post game video interviews and game highlights courtesy caps365:


Q: Why do you always score in third?
Ovie: Maybe it's luck. I think in the first two periods I did not have a lot of chances and I was still kind of sleepy. I skated around and missed the puck and felt kind of frustrated. I had more chances in the third period and scored a goal and it helped me.

It's a huge victory for us. It gives us a lot of confidence. They were missing a couple of players, but it's very important to play an experienced team and this game meant a lot to us.


Boudreau: I didn't think [Ovechkin] or Semin were very good. That's why I broke them up... But Alex is one of those big, great game guys and if he's not having his greatest game you just keep throwing him back out there and throwing them back out there, and eventually usually something positive happens.

At the very end Boudreau gives unbelievable praise for Sergei Fedorov...
- "He has calming influence on anybody..."
- "When he talks, people listen..."
- "I don't even care he scores or not..."
and so on...



Game highlights


Sources:
Capitals Insider, TWP, Jan. 31, 2009 "Caps 4, Red Wings 2"

In The Room, TWT, Jan. 31, 2009 "Post-game thoughts"

TWEET

Fedorov's ready

 By Brant James, tampabay.com, Jan. 31, 2009:

The era of the grandiose hockey nickname, as is the case in most sports, has passed. Gone are the eloquent times and prose when players and journalists concocted gems such as Carson "Shovel Shot" Cooper, Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion, Maurice "The Rocket" Richard, Bobby "The Golden Jet" Hull, Ken "The Rat" Linseman and Alf "The Embalmer" Pike.

Even into the 1980s, there was "Super Mario" Lemieux, and Wayne "The Great One" Gretzky.

A few, such as Bulin Wall (former Lightning and current Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin) sprout. But the taglines for the next generation seem more contrived by marketing firms eyeing personal services deals than by half-cocked players or coaches cavorting with the boys and celebrating a lifestyle lived hard and fast.

"Sid the Kid" Crosby? Alexander "The Great" Ovechkin?

No charm. No style.

Oh yeah? How about Alex "Russian Roulette" Semin? Or Alex "Russian Machine" Ovechkin? Centered by Sergei "Sputnik on Ice" Fedorov? No charm? No style? :-)


Getty Images Sergei Fedorov has five goals and 10 assists in 22 games for the Capitals this season.

By Corey Masisak, TWT, Jan. 31, 2009:

The end of last season developed like a fairy tale for Sergei Fedorov. After years in Columbus that lacked fulfillment, the former NHL MVP was rejuvenated by a trade to the Washington Capitals.

Alex Ovechkin: "I think he play great at the start of the year. Then he got injured, and right now he is getting better and for the playoffs I think he's going to be 100 percent ready."

Fedorov first injured his ankle Nov. 6 against Carolina. "Being injured, with the ankle injury especially, was not fun," he said. "There was nothing you could do to it. There are only so many shots or extra MRIs or ice machines. Only time will heal it, and it was the most frustrating injury I've ever had - more frustrating than third-degree shoulder separations or concussions or anything like that.

"You feel healthy, you feel absolutely balanced and you can play, but once you get back on the ice, it doesn't go well for you."

Now the six-time All-Star is starting to inch back closer to full health. He has played in six consecutive games without a problem.

"Since I've been healed, I've been having a good time. I'm just not playing quite as much as I was," he said. "Hopefully one day, coaches will see to give a couple of extra minutes. If it's not, it is OK - I can still do what I have to do to help make this club better.

"I feel decent during the games. I am playing 13 to 16 minutes, so every shift is important and that's what I'm concentrating on and trying to make the best of it. There are some times when I am a little out of sync."

Fedorov's ice time could increase as soon as Saturday, when the Caps host the Detroit Red Wings. Coach Bruce Boudreau put Fedorov between Ovechkin and Alexander Semin on the team's top line at practice Friday.

"He is still just feeling his way around. I'm sure he's not quite 100 percent to where he wants to be yet, but it takes a little while - especially when you're older," Boudreau said. "When Sergei is ready and he's on his game, he's on his game on the ice, on the bench and in the dressing room. That is what was fabulous last year. You can tell he's getting close."

"He has great experience. I can't imagine how many years he's played here," Backstrom said. "I think he has been really important, especially for the Russian guys. Plus his English is so good. He's a big leader, and it is important for us young guys to look up to him."

Added Fedorov: "I'm not definitely a hands-on tutor or coach, but I first of all like to show by example, and second of all, if guys have any questions I like to help and correct some guys. ... If I can find balance while playing 15 or 16 minutes and be a good player for this club, I think we have a chance to be a great club."

TWEET

Ovechkin is due

 AP:

Zetterberg, recipient of a 12-year, $73 million contract extension this week, is out with back spasms. Holmstrom has a sore groin. Hudler is nursing a foot injury from blocking a shot in Thursday's game.

All three will miss Saturday game vs. Capitals.

Bruce Boudreau has re-created Russian troika or Quebec line, at least the Russian Machine, Sputnik on Ice and Russian Roulette were together during morning practice. First time Coach Boudreau assembled it was back when Ovie couldn't score a goal in 9 games. It helped and Quebec line totally dominated other teams. Then Fedorov got injured.

Flyers Jeff Carter just scored 2 goals (31st and 32nd) and is ahead of Ovie again by one goal.

Ovechkin is due, he didn't score in the last two games. My prediction: hat-trick vs. Red Wings. :-)


How much fun was it to play 3 on 3 outdoors at Chevy Chase Club? Check it out.


Now back to reality... :-)

TWEET

Ovechkin about Red Wings (video)

 
Caps 365: Ovechkin, Theodore, Poti, Fedorov and head coach Bruce Boudreau about facing the Detroit Red Wings tomorrow afternoon at the Verizon Center.

Bruce Boudreau: Boy, it's gonna be a real test for us tomorrow

TWEET

Charismatic Ovechkin

 Hopefully one day Ovie will wear "C" for good:

Alex Ovechkin tops the list of the Best of Everything in Hockey for 2008-09.

• The Best of Everything in Hockey: THN ranks the top scorers, stoppers, smashers and other criminally great players in 19 different categories. The guilty parties include thief Tim Thomas who robs his opponents nightly and arsonist Alex Ovechkin who continues to set the league on fire.

"It’s beyond dispute that Crosby is the one who best lubricates the NHL’s marketing and promotional gears, despite the fact that Washington’s Alexander Ovechkin is the game’s greatest talent and its most charismatic performer."

~ The Montreal Gazette

By Jason Kay, THN, Jan. 30, 2009 "Ovie's charisma-skill combo makes him NHL's top dog":

[Ovechkin] dropped by The Hockey News Radio Show last Friday in Montreal and, when he was handed a copy of an edition on which he graced the cover, he grinned widely and seemed genuinely impressed and excited. He thought the treatment we gave the layout inside was cool. A couple days later, we spotted him in a Montreal nightclub, “working” the DJ booth.

In short, his charisma still matches his considerable talent. He’s open and honest and vulnerable and fun-loving. And he’s in line for the Rocket Richard Trophy and quite possibly his second consecutive Hart.

Crosby, by contrast, remains typically Canadian. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. His public persona is guarded, his interview answers measured. He is polite and gracious with the media in the face of gargantuan demands on his time and almost always remains within his comfort zone.

It’s doubtful he’ll ever match Ovechkin when it comes to charisma and playing to the crowd. That’s not Sid and that’s fine. But NHL marketers should take note if they haven’t already. Ovie is ‘The Guy’ and they should leverage his appeal and goodwill for all it’s worth.

And why is Crosby a typical Canadian? Bobby Hull is Canadian too, but he wasn't guarded, his interview answers were not measured. Eh, what about Sean Avery, isn't he Canadian?



Nate Ewell (at All-Star in Montreal):

When it was all done, Alex went to relax and enjoy a sushi dinner. Before he did, I showed him the quote above. He asked what "charismatic" meant.

"It means people like you," I replied. "You could tell today, right?"

Speaking about All-Star game and overhyped controversy about Komisarek giving up his number 8; today was a day for Ovechkin's fans, Alex replied to them via Twitter:

• I gave Komisarek my stick for #8 - he was cool in reply to GoingFiveHole


• I wanted a Russian flag to but couldn't find one in reply to RyanGHShow


• nice name -- sounds good in reply to MarymeOve


• ia znau chto eti sluxi idyt,no mi ne xotim chtob nam zapreshali vistypat za nashy strany!!!!!tak chto vi nas yvidete!!!!!))) [translation: I know about those rumors, but we don't want not to be allowed to play for our country!!!!!so you will see us!!!!!))) [Olympic games in Sochi-2014]] in reply to sapegka


• I feel good. I was kind of afraid when I fell but I thank god -- still can play hockey [about the stinger injury] in reply to VTnicci


• Thanks guys who read this. It was fun and thanks for all the congrats.

TWEET

Here and there

 By Dianne Lash, THE WASHINGTON TIMES, Jan. 30, 2009:

More than 700 new cars, trucks, minivans and sport utility vehicles will be on display Feb. 4 through 8 at the 67th Washington Auto Show. Held at the Washington Convention Center and produced by the Washington Area New Auto Dealers Association (WANADA), the show will feature vehicles from more than 42 domestic and import automakers.


The Washington Times Spectators enjoy the Washington Auto Show at the Washington Convention Center. This year's show runs Feb. 4 through 8. ( Rod A. Lamkey Jr. / The Washington Times )

The Washington Times Spectators enjoy the Washington Auto Show at the Washington Convention Center. This year's show runs Feb. 4 through 8.

Besides the automakers' exhibits, a slate of celebrities will be on hand to lend some additional sparkle to the festivities. Highlights this year include visits from Washington Capitals Alex Ovechkin and Mike Green, Washington Redskins Antwaan Randle El and Jason Campbell and former Redskins star Darrell Green, and Washington Wizards Dominic McGuire, JaVale McGee and Nick Young. The Washington Redskins Cheerleaders, the Speed Channel's Vida Guerra, and actors Corbin Bleu and Idris Elba also are scheduled to appear.

Meanwhile Victoria was at some celebrity gathering at Soho Rooms restaurant in Moscow, reports Spletnik.ru (Jan. 30, 2009):

"In spite of a red carpet nobody wanted to freeze on a cold, and celebrities and photographers preferred to swarm in front of the restaurant. The appearance of the Victoria Lopyreva was marked by a dozen of photo flashes.



No wonder, the unmarried beauty was with a new beau, as it turned out a British. She said it was "just a friend", however Vickie was stronly against being imprinted with the young man on the same photo."

TWEET

Chevy Chase Club Dispute

 By Corey Masisak, TWT, Jan. 29, 2009:

There was some dispute afterwards, but by my count Team Theodore successfully completed a second-half rally to defeat Team Johnson, 12-10, in the Caps outdoor scrimmage at Chevy Chase Club.

There were two 15-minutes halves, and Team Johnson, led by some stellar saves by the captain, had a 4-1 lead at the break before mayhem ensued in the second session.

Here's all you need to know about this 3-on-3 free-for-all: Donald Brashear had a hat trick and he was upstaged by John Erskine, who had at least a FIVE-POINT NIGHT (three goals and two primary assists).

There were a lot of people crowded around the rink, and some of them were probably kids of famous people. Most of the media were on a porch at one end of the rink. Standing about four people down from me -- none other than the Chief Justice of the United States, the honorable John Roberts, and his wife.

Tarik El-Bashir, Capitals Insider, Jan. 29, 2009:

So what was the best thing about tonight's scrimmage?

That John Erskine recorded a hat trick? That Donald Brashear did, too? How about Alex Ovechkin's penalty shot goal on Jose Theodore? Or that Coach Bruce Boudreau, who served as linesman and referee, had to stop the action at one point and remind his players to lighten up?

While all of that made the trip to outdoor rink at Chevy Chase Club worth it, the best thing, for me anyway, was the fact that the players couldn't agree on which team actually won the 3-on-3 scrimmage.

The scoreboard indicated that the white team had edged the blue squad, 11-10 (or 12-10, depending on when you looked at it). But several members of the blue team argued that Ovechkin had jammed a pass from Alexander Semin past Theodore as time expired, tying the score.

Boudreau, though, did not allow the score and the scrimmage, which consisted of two 15 minute periods, was called.

"It was tied," Ovechkin said. "The referee was no good. Tell Bruce he was no good."

Team Theodore:
Green, Poti, Pothier, Jurcina
Brashear, Kozlov, Nylander, Backstrom, Fleischman, Fedorov


Team Johnson:
Erskine, Schultz, Morrisonn
Laich, Gordon, Semin, Clark, Fehr, Steckel, Ovechkin, Bradley

Referee: Bruce Boudreau

Dan Steinberg, DC Sports Bog, Jan. 29, 2009:

And Boudreau? "I'll be on the ice, I'll be reffing," he said.
In stripes?
"I don't know, if we have one I might throw it on," he said. "Stripes make you look thinner, right?"

By Tarik El-Bashir, The Washington Post, Jan. 30, 2009:

"Reminded of when I was a little kid"

          ~Alex Ovechkin



Because there was no official scorekeeper, the team that had actually won the scrimmage was the subject of some good-natured debate over a catered dinner in the crowded clubhouse afterward.

"It depends on who you're asking," said David Steckel, who along with his teammates signed autographs as they left the clubhouse. "If you ask the blue team, we tied. If you ask the white team, they say they won by one."

Erskine added: "I wasn't keeping track. But it was a good time. It was like back home in Canada playing on the lake. We were joking around and playing around with the rules."

Then, after some careful consideration, he added with a straight face, "Blue won, definitely."

It's exactly what Boudreau was going for with the Capitals on a two-game losing streak and approaching the pressure-packed stretch drive.

"It was a nice break from the strenuous practicing and the businesslike atmosphere, Laich said. "Tonight we had a lot of fun."

TWEET

Sports Injuries: The Stinger (Update)

 Ovechkin crashed with his right shoulder first into the boards after he was hooked by Chara.


Update: YouTube video


NHL.TV (Better quality)

The collision was so violent that Ovechkin's head hit the boards next. I thought he had a concussion. Ovechkin stayed down for about 90 seconds. Joe Beninati said he didn't remember Alex being down on ice for so long. Turned out Alex had a stinger...


Alex Ovechkin is tended to by a trainer during the second period of their NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins in Boston Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009. (Photo AP)

Hughston Sports Medicine Foundation:

What is a stinger or burner?
A stinger or burner is an intensely painful nerve injury. The nerves that give feeling to the arms and hands originate from the cervical (neck) spinal cord. As these nerves leave the neck, they form the brachial plexus (see Fig. 1). They weave together then branch as they pass under the clavicle (collar bone) on the way to the shoulder.



Nerve injury often happens when the athlete makes a hard hit using his shoulder. The direct blow to the top of the shoulder drives it down and causes the neck to bend toward the opposite side. This motion severely stretches or compresses the nerves and triggers an intense discharge of electricity. For a few seconds, the electricity shoots down the nerves to the tip of the fingers.

After this intense electrical discharge, the nerves' motor fibers that allow movement in the arm do not function well. The dysfunction is evident by weakness in the arm. The weakness often involves the muscles that allow the athlete to lift the arm away from the body, to bend the elbow, and to grip. Symptoms also include sensations of tingling and of burning or stinging pain in the arm and hand. The extent of the damage varies considerably. The pain usually lasts only a few minutes, but the weakness can last weeks, months, or years. Rarely, the injury may cause permanent damage.

SpineUniverse.com:

A stinger, sometimes called a burner, is an injury that occurs when the head or neck (cervical spine) is hit to one side causing the shoulder to be pulled in the opposite direction.

How does a stinger happen?
A stinger is caused by a stretching of the brachial plexus nerves. These are peripheral nerves that exit the spinal cord and run across the shoulders, under the collarbone, and into the arms. The brachial plexus nerves are responsible for giving the arms their strength and sensation. As a result of a forcible sideways blow to the head or a blow to the shoulder itself, these nerves may become compressed, stretched, and irritated.

What are the symptoms of a stinger?
A side collision of this type causes immediate and intense pain, as well as a tingling or burning sensation in the neck that runs down the arm to the fingers. Weakness in the affected arm or hand is also common. The weakness, numbness, or tingling sensations may last as briefly as a few minutes or as long as a few weeks.

How is a stinger treated?
Most stinger injuries resolve on their own after a period of rest. Athletes are usually removed from the sport until symtpoms are gone. Ice packs on the neck or shoulders, anti-inflammatory medications, massage, and neck strengthening exercises are often part of the treatement plan. Players can usually return to their sport once the pain is gone and they have regained full range of motion, strength, and normal sensation in the neck and arms. Persistant or recurrent symptoms may indicate a more serious injury. Neck x-rays, a CT scan, or MRI may be necessary to rule out other serious conditions with similar symptoms.

Ignoring or playing through a stinger can lead to more serious injuries.

Capitals Insider:

Alex Ovechkin didn't take part in practice this morning but Coach Bruce Boudreau said the break was a planned off day for the star left winger and that Ovechkin is fine after he crashed into the boards Tuesday night in Washington's 3-2 overtime loss to Boston.

"Just a stinger," Boudreau said. "He's the one guy that was at the All Star game...he skated on Monday and I had to kick him off the ice. So I wanted to give him today off to rest. He's probably a little stiff but he's fine. I asked him how his shoulder was and he said he's okay, no problem."

Ovechkin left the game against the Bruins late in the second period after he collided shoulder-first into the corner boards. He returned to the game in the third period though and only missed about two to three normal shifts at the end of the second frame. Seeing Ovechkin lying on the ice though, caused more than a bit of anxiety for Boudreau.

"Forget the breath, I lost my mind," Boudreau said. "He went in fast and hard. I was a little disappointed in the (TD Banknorth) Garden faithful booing him when he was down. There wasn't a person in the stands who could have taken that kind of hit and gotten back up."

Update:
By STU HACKEL, Slap SHot blog, New York Times. Jan. 29, 2009:

...and if you want to know what a stinger is, the fan blog Alex Ovetjkin has your answer plus video of the incident...

Thank you, Stu!

TWEET

Good news indeed

 Just like Versus said, "Good news Alex is back", and indeed it is. Caps got 1 point, but if they'd win and lose Ovechkin, it would be much much worse. Alex got one assist, Russian machine never break, what can you say.


Alex Ovechkin is tended to by a trainer during the second period of their NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins in Boston Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009. (Photo AP)


Alex Ovechkin is helped off the ice by a trainer during the second period of their NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins in Boston Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009. (Photo AP)


AP:

BOSTON -- Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, the leading goal-scorer in the NHL and the league's reigning MVP, left Tuesday night's game against the Bruins in the second period and returned for the third after awkwardly crashing into the boards following a hook from Boston defenseman Zdeno Chara.

When Alex returned, camera showed Chara talking to him, it seemed like he apologized for the hook. Obviously Chara didn't want any harm to Ovechkin.

Update:
Corey Masisak, TWT:

*Alex Ovechkin is fine. A team official said he had a stinger and it was a problem for about 15 minutes. There appeared to be no sign of it impeding him in the third period or overtime.

“No,” Ovechkin said when asked if it was a scary moment. “It was just hockey moment – it is OK.”

TWEET

Alex hangs out with Boston College kids

 By Jeff Howe, MetroBostonNews.com, Jan. 27, 2009 "Ovechkin leaves BC star struck":

Eagles bench boss Jerry York coached Caps GM George McPhee at Bowling Green from 1979-82, and the pair set up the practice session. The Caps were in town for last night’s game against the Bruins.

As was the case during All-Star weekend, Ovechkin stole the show. He grabbed a BC hat from York, posed for pictures and soaked up the college atmosphere.

“He was asking what the college life is like, what it’s like living in dorms, what Boston is like as a city,” said BC senior forward Anthony Aiello, one of the many Eagles York called “star struck.” “He seemed like a great guy.”

There was one thing they really picked up from watching Ovechkin.

“He’s always out there smiling and fooling around on the ice,” BC senior forward Andrew Orpik said. “It’s good to see the guys that are playing professionally still have that kid aspect in them.”

TWEET

Get well, Jamie!

 By Erik Erlendsson, TBO.com, Jan 27, 2009:

Jamie Heward was also around the locker room this morning and went through a light workout. He said he went about seven minutes on the bike to try to get his heart rate up a bit and see how he reacts tonight and again tomorrow.

Heward said he’s had just about symptom possible with a concussion, but the headaches are gone, the nausea is gone and he’s getting back to a normal feeling with the exception of continued memory loss, which he described as “disturbing’’.

Heward said he has seen the hit from Washington’s Alex Ovechkin, which resulted in Heward taken off the ice on a stretcher on Jan. 1, and Heward’s feeling today is basically the same as it was three weeks ago - it’s not a dirty hit.

Heward said he has watched it a few times and believes that he put his head down that helped put him in a vulnerable position. He said that if he had stayed up straight, he feels Ovechkin’s elbow would have hit him on the shoulder driving his upper body into the boards instead of his head being driven into glass.

TWEET

The effervescent Ovechkin

 By CHRIS ZELKOVICH , TheStar.com, Jan. 26, 2009, "Hey NHL: Ovechkin's the star of the show":

As he showed Saturday, the effervescent Ovechkin is the star the league should be hitching its wagon to, not Sidney Crosby.

Ovechkin is as outgoing an athlete as there is, but not in a Sean Avery way. He's out front without being in your face. Last night, every time he touched the puck there was a notable buzz in the crowd at Montreal's Bell Centre.

Crosby appears to be a nice young man who may even have more potential than Ovechkin on the ice. But as he demonstrated in a CBC interview Saturday, off the ice he's about as charismatic as a pylon.

TWEET

Ovie's THANK YOU for Mike Komisarek

 There was a lot of buzz about Komisarek not wearing his number 8. Remind you number 8 is kind of sacred for Ovechkin because of his Mom, for Komisarek it was not a big deal...

By Tarik El-Bashir, The Washington Post, Jan. 26, 2009:

Ovechkin had a lengthy conversation with Gordie Howe on Friday night after bumping into the Hall of Famer in the lobby of the players' hotel. Then before the game, Ovechkin met Canadiens greats Dickie Moore, Guy Lafleur and Jean Béliveau.



"I ask [Howe] everything what I can ask him," Ovechkin said. "Lots of legends were here and I shake hands with them. It's history; they play before in us in the NHL. It's funny how they are getting older and the same is going to be with us."

Ovechkin's impressive collection of autographed sticks also grew this weekend. He collected sticks from Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Brian Campbell of the Chicago Blackhawks as well as from Edmonton's Sheldon Souray, Los Angeles' Dustin Brown and St. Louis's Keith Tkachuk. Ovechkin also gave autographed sticks to seven fellow all-stars, including Montreal's Mike Komisarek as a thank you for allowing him to wear No. 8, which also happens to be Komisarek's jersey number with the hometown Canadiens.

Ovechkin had a memorable weekend on the ice, too. He defended his Breakaway Challenge title on Saturday night in the SuperSkills competition, then added to his all-star totals on Sunday.

Ovechkin scored the Eastern Conference's first goal by finishing off a beautiful display of passing with Savard. Ovechkin snapped a pass to Savard, who promptly returned the favor. The Capitals' winger wasted little time firing the puck past Jean-Sebastien Giguère to tie the game at 1 at 6 minutes 26 seconds of the first period.

Ovechkin's first career all-star assist came later in the period when he set up Montreal defenseman Andrei Markov with a no-look, cross-crease pass. Markov's goal increased the Eastern Conference's lead to 4-1.

The Capitals' all-star, however, did not record a point in the second period, which featured 10 goals and ended tied at 8.

I also had a feeling Ovie wanted Kovalev to get MVP, old timer was so grumpy when he lost to Alex in a breakaway competition... Alex only had two shots on goal and mostly was feeding other players... He really didn't care if he would score or not, but he did care about winning the game at the end...


MONTREAL - JANUARY 25: (L-R) Eastern Conference All-Stars Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Andrei Markov and Alex Kovalev of the Montreal Canadiens, Ilya Kovalchuk of the Atlanta Thrashers and Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals pose for a photo before the 2009 NHL All-Star game at the Bell Centre on January 25, 2009 in Montreal, Canada. (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images)

TWEET

Dancing girls

 SEAN GORDON, Monday's Globe and Mail
January 25, 2009:

Ovechkin created a moment of hilarity when the camera cut to him obviously admiring a pair of women dancing in the aisles of the Bell Centre.

"I [didn't] think the camera's going to see me," he smiled after game.

Ovechkin also scored a goal in regulation and added three assists, his crafty deke to outwit Luongo in the shootout prompted cries of "Ovie, Ovie".

Capitals Insider, Jan. 25, 2009:

Late in the second period, the JumboTron over center ice showed two young women holding beers and dancing to the beat during a break in the action. The camera then cut to Ovechkin, who was watching the girls on the screen and was saying, "Oooooooh."

Sooo busted.

Of course, all 21,273 fans in the building cracked up with laughter. Ovechkin, too, let out a hearty chuckle.

"They were dancing pretty well, and I said, 'Wow!'" Ovechkin told me moments ago. "I don't think the camera was going to look straight at me."

And what Vinny is doing? :-)

Comment at YouTube:

The Jumbotron was showing two amazing girls wearing small pink habs t-shirts, barely containing their "assets". When it abruptly gets a closeup of Ovechkin checking them out! The girls look like typical Montreal hotness. If you ever lived here you know what Im talking about.

THE FORBIDDEN FRUIT TASTES THE SWEETEST :-)

Update:

According to Pavel Lysenkov (SovSport.ru) the legendary Russian Coach Anatoli Tarasov used to say:

"A cool hockey player should see the puck, all his parthers, all opposite players and a blonde in the sixth row."

For that Essa Tikannen replied: Six row blonde! That's why I missed an open net in playoffs...

TWEET

Ovi's ASG's postgame (video)

 A big thank you to caps365 team (Mike, Stretch, Corey...)!

CH.8 - The Ovechkin's channel

TWEET

More Ovechkins than in downtown Moscow

 Here's Ted's post who has knowledge about it through seeing it firsthand:

Ovechkin jerseys are everywhere. Alex is everywhere. He is the star of the show and the weekend. He eats this stuff up. He is, I believe, the most popular player in the NHL right now based on his charisma and talent. His outfit in the breakaway challenge was all the talk at the parties here on Saturday night. He tries to fire up the crowd and people love it here...

MONTREAL - JANUARY 24: Eastern Conference All-Star Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals arrives for the Honda NHL Superskills competition as part of the 2009 NHL All-Star weekend on January 24, 2009 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

TWEET

Alex Ovechkin-style sunglasses sold out

 LOL, here's a report from dump 'n chase...

Woke up this morning (still missing "The Sopranos") to double-digit temps here in Montreal (exactly 10 degrees Fahrenheit) which I understand has led to a run on Alex Ovechkin-style shades at the local sunglass emporiums here in the Great White North. No satellite events scheduled today, which enabled us to sleep in. And sleep in we did.

When you get up in the morning and the light is hurt your head
The first thing you do when you get up out of bed
Is hit that streets a-runnin and try to beat the masses
And go get yourself some [Ovechkin style] cheap sunglasses
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah

TWEET

Kovalchuk goes to Middle East

 From a numerous interviews and Q&As we have already heard, several names were coming out from Ovie and others, here's the whole story...

Capitals Insider by Slava Malamud, Jan. 25, 2009:

Well, one thing you should probably know is who was behind the truce. It was none other than Ilya Kovalchuk, the noble southern gentleman and the upright family man that he is.



Ilya Kovalchuk with his wife Nicole Ambrazaitis (yes she is Lithuanian like Zubrus and Kasparaitis) and daughter Carolina Sofia (Courtesy golden-news)


Friday night, during the dinner with other fellow All Stars, Kovalchuk got the two of them together and proposed to finalize the peace talks (which began earlier that day with the handshaking incident) and make it all official. "He poured it for us",



said Malkin after the Super Skills last night, talking about a Russian peacemaking ritual, the deep-hidden essence of which you can easily guess.

"Yes, he poured us some water," added Ovechkin, just to clarify the deep-hidden essence of the Russian peacemaking ritual for those of us that are slower on the uptake.

Of course, it was also Kovalchuk's idea to let Malkin dress Alex (and give him a squirt of Gatorade) during the final Breakaway Challenge. Alex wanted to take the props out himself, but Ilya convinced him to use Malkin, thus putting the final touch on his peacemaking efforts. Between his gold-medal goal at the World Championships last year and his mediation of the Ovie-Malkin dispute with the Olympics looming ahead, Kovy is on the fast track to becoming Russia's favorite son right about now.

And speaking of unsung heroes, some kudos are due to the Caps' PR manager Nate Ewell and especially Konstantin Selinevich, Alex's business manager who has really proven he can manage business with the best of them. It was them who came up with the hat-and-glasses idea and it was Selinevich who went shopping for the props Saturday morning. He couldn't find a Russian flag to affix to the headwear but otherwise the plan worked to perfection.

At first I thought Slava brokered a peace and passed a rumor about Slava's next assignment to Middle East to negotiate peace between Israel and Palestinians. Turned out Ilya Kovalchuk is a Russian version of Henry Kissinger. :-)

TWEET

What other NHLers think about Ovechkin's physical play

 Source: Corey Masisak, TWT, Jan. 25, 2009 "Ovechkin's physical play earns respect, rancor"

Ovechkin has collected 28 minor penalties this season - seven more than any of his teammates and a personal high for a single season. That total is tied for fifth in the league, behind only Anaheim's Ryan Getzlaf and Philadelphia's Scott Hartnell among forwards.

Chicago Back Hawks defenseman Brian Campbell:

I think he plays on the edge, but I think that is how he has to play to be who he is. When you play on the edge and play that many minutes, sometimes you might do some stuff that other guys don't like or the league doesn't like or whatever. But if he were my teammate, I wouldn't want him to change.

Carolina Hurricanes center Eric Staal:

He's one of those guys who plays hard, but I don't think you would consider him a dirty player or anything like that. ... He likes to play with a physical edge, and any player like that can sometimes get over the edge a little bit, but that's part of it. Obviously we'd love to have him on our team because he can really change the momentum with his offense or his physical play.

San Jose Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle:

I saw it on a replay [of the hit on Heward] and I didn't think it was that bad, but obviously the end result was. Obviously the guy plays with a lot of intensity and he's bigger and faster than a lot of the guys on the ice, so maybe sometimes that is a recipe for disaster for the other guy.

Los Angeles' Dustin Brown (has the most hits in the NHL since the beginning of last season):

The hit he gave me [Nov. 20], the puck wasn't anywhere near me, but it is hard to say. He got a penalty and I ended up scoring, so I was fine with it. I play the same way, and if you play physical sometimes there are going to be hits that are maybe not the cleanest hits. That's just the nature of the game - sometimes you might get there a second late. I think he plays the game hard, and if it gets under people's skin, then that's probably better for him.

Ovechkin's feud with Richards, meanwhile, goes back to an incident in the world junior championships. After Ovechkin nearly crunched Carter in the neutral zone this month, his Flyers teammates were not pleased. After the game, Carter told reporters, "We knew he was going to be running around a bit."

Carter used the same phrase Saturday when asked about Ovechkin - though he also said he didn't have a problem with it.

Mike Richards should hear this, JEFF CARTER HAS NO PROBLEMS WITH IT.


MONTREAL - JANUARY 24: Eastern Conference All-Stars Jeff Carter of the Philadelphia Flyers and Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals warm up during the McDonalds/NHL All-Star open practice as part of the 2009 NHL All-Star weekend on January 24, 2009 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

TWEET

No speed limit, the emblem for Ovechkin

 By Mark Herrmann, Newsday.com, Jan. 24, 2009 "Ovechkin 'raises the bar' with energy, results":

When Washington officials gave him the key to the city last June, Alexander Ovechkin immediately made this pronouncement: "There will be no speeding tickets in the city today because there is no speed limit."

That might well be the emblem for the Capitals forward's career. There's no stopping or slowing him. That he was not elected by fans to start in tonight's All-Star Game was not even a speed bump.

Apparently, having his team in first place, owning a 13-year contract worth $124 million and being last year's MVP, current top goal-scorer and arguably the greatest hockey player on Earth are some consolation.

Also, there is the fact that he gets to go to the rink every day. No small matter for a guy who likes the whole idea so much that he has been known to skate before practice with the Zamboni.

"I don't know what he was like as a teenager," Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau said, "but he sure loves the game now."

Ovechkin will be the one darting around the ice in Montreal tonight like a giddy teenager, and a Mack truck. He has the elan of a kid, the skills of an old pro and the mean streak of a pit bull. He has personality galore, which makes it odd that he sometimes gets overlooked because he supposedly doesn't have any.

Granted, it is not easy for a non-North American to become a sports icon over here, but give the 23-year-old from Moscow time. It took him a few years, but he has given the once-moribund Capitals his zest for life.

"He raises the bar. He wants people to play as hard as him," said Boudreau, whose team is 12 points ahead in the Southeast Division. "You go out there and you watch how hard he plays, how can you not want to play with that passion and that intensity?"

TWEET

CBC: Most popular non-North American ever in the NHL

 Sick feature on Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin.

Check this out! Inside Hockey: Alex Ovechkin

H/t to Caroline, my blog reader

Update:
A View From The Cheap Seats:

It’s no surprise that this weekend is rapidly turning into an Ovechkin lovefest. After all, he is bigger than life. He is a showman, an entertainer, and a madman - all while also being the best hockey player in the world.



CBC is just the latest to indulge in a little Ovie lovin’. During last night’s skills competition they debuted an episode of Inside Hockey featuring none other than Alex Ovechkin. Be sure to check it out as he talks about being at the All Star Game, his mad dancing skills…and the top secret hairstyle that he, Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green will unveil for the playoffs.

TWEET

Ovechkin: Did ya like it?

 Capitals Insider, Jan. 24, 2009 "Poll: Ovechkin's Creativity (Updated)":

Alex Ovechkin's reputation as the NHL's most colorful personality was affirmed in the Breakway Challenge tonight.

After missing his first three attempts, the Caps' winger returned to the bench, and with the help of his friend-turned-enemy-turned-friend again Evgeni Malkin, put on a pair of white sunglasses, a floppy, safari-style khaki hat (with a tiny Canadian flag sticking out of it), took a squit of Gatorade (from Malkin) and grabbed two sticks, carrying one in each hand.

Ovechkin then dribbled the puck between the sticks and scored on the rebound with his left hand, drawing a huge applause from the capacity crowd at Bell Centre.

He also attempted to recreate 'The Goal' from Phoenix a few years back.

[ovi8: Last hint before go to ice - I show one of my shots before, but not in last year's. - Jan 24, 2009]

Capitals Insider, Jan. 24, 2009 "Ovechkin's Breakaway Challenge Winner":

Alex, where did you get the idea to do the hat and glasses?
Well, it was last night. I actually talked to [team PR guru] Nate Ewell about it, and I said it's going to be fun, and you have to try it.

You seem to enjoy the spotlight. Does hockey need more of that?
I think fans have to see who we are. They see our skills, and the last trick was just for fun. Fans love it.

About trying to recreate 'The Goal', can it be done or should you just quit trying?
It's one time, and it goes in, and right now I feel like no more time [laughing] no more try.

On the shot with the two sticks, where did that come from?
The hat was just one piece of my trick. It's the same skill. I try to use different stick, and then I try to use it left shot. It went in, so I was pretty happy."

Why did you go to Evgeni for help?
It's during the bench. Kovalchuk [was supposed to help] me. But Kovy said let's do Malkin -- give me water, put my hat, clean my sunglasses and give me his stick. So I think it's pretty fun.

MONTREAL - JANUARY 24: Eastern Conference All-Star Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals competes in the "Scotiabank NHL Fan Fav Breakaway Challenge" during the Honda NHL Superskills competition as part of the 2009 NHL All-Star weekend on January 24, 2009 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)


Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images



Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images



Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images



Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images




More pictures from Yahoo...

caps365:


Breakaway Challenge Competition


Breakaway Challenge Winner


Post interview

Ovie: My buddy Konstantin [Selinevich, Ovechkin's manager] came up with idea, let's do this...


Here's AP story about breakaway challenge, Jan. 24, 2009:

In a nod to his supposed feud with Malkin, Ovechkin skated over to his East teammates before his final attempt.

Malkin helped him put on an outback hat — with a Canadian flag stuck to the brim — and white-framed wraparound sunglasses before pouring a sports drink down Ovechkin's throat.

"The picture that I can't get out of my head is that they're having fun," Edmonton defenseman Sheldon Souray said. "It just goes to show you can't believe everything you read or hear all the time, and it shows you how important winning with your club teams is that they can have this running feud and have everyone conjure up this big, nasty bad blood story between them, but to go out and pull that was pretty funny."
Ovechkin came up with the idea Friday night and bounced it off Nate Ewell, the Capitals' director of media relations.

"I talked with Nate about it and I said it's going to be fun, and you have to try it," Ovechkin said.

TWEET

Ovechkin's photo gallery from Yahoo

 

MONTREAL - JANUARY 24: Eastern Conference All-Star Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals warms up during the McDonalds/NHL All-Star open practice as part of the 2009 NHL All-Star weekend on January 24, 2009 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images)

Photo gallery from Yahoo (thanks!)

caps365:


Caps forward Alex Ovechkin speaks with Mike Vogel about coming to his third All-Star game and how he is preparing to defend his shoot-out win.
(Also featured are Kovalchuk, Kovalev and Kane)

Ovechkin's interview after morning practice (ASG)

TWEET

Ovechkin: Nobody saw me fall in practice? :-)

 Alex Ovechkin at Twitter as ovi8: Nobody saw me fall in practice, did they?

Capitals Insider, Jan. 24, 2009:

*Ovechkin wiped out really hard during practice while attempting to deke Tim Thomas in shootout practice and went hard into the end boards. Afterward, Ovechkin said during a television interview, "Don't worry Ted, I'm okay."

Indeed, Ovechkin is fine.

*Ted Leonsis is here, I'm told. I haven't seen him yet, though.

TWEET

Ovechkin: Ask my accountant

 This is what Alex answered to SovSport journalist when he was asked about financial crisis and how it could affect him. Ovechkin is not alone, Damien Cox writes that players never saw this hit coming:

MONTREAL-Zach Parise is 24 years old, one of the brightest young stars in the NHL and a pro athlete pulling down millions of dollars in annual pay.

Yet as of yesterday, Parise seemed unaware he was already out almost $170,000 in salary for this season, with another $310,000 or more still to lose.

NHL players may be facing a jump in the percentage of their salary that is held back as insurance that the league hits its revenue projections.

For the last three years the players received their money back, this season the spiralling economy will likely hit the players hard because the players' share of overall hockey revenues can't exceed 54-56%.

Over the first half of the season, 13.5% of player earnings have been held in the escrow account. For the second half, that figure could jump to 25%. That means for the whole season the escrow payment would be 19.25% and this money could be gone.


NHL - Highest Player Salary Cap Numbers For 2008-09 Season - Top 5

Player        Team                Salary     Deduction  Actual Salary
Alex Ovechkin Washington Capitals $9,538,000 $1,836,065 $7,701,935
Sidney Crosby Pittsburgh Penguins $8,700,000 $1,674,750 $7,025,250
Brad Richards Dallas Stars        $7,800,000 $1,501,500 $6,298,500
Dany Heatley  Ottawa Senators     $7,500,000 $1,443,750 $6,056,250
Zdeno Chara   Boston Bruins       $7,500,000 $1,443,750 $6,056,250

TWEET

Jaywalking with Ovechkin: Who? Capitals?

 Great article by Barry Svrluga, The Washington Post, Jan. 24, 2009 "Better Recognized":

Less than four years ago, when Alex Ovechkin arrived in the capital of the United States from his native Russia, he was a teenager who could move around his new town without creating a stir. On his occasional attempts to play the fame card -- offering, he said, perhaps an "I am left wing for Washington Capitals, you know?" -- the responses indicated his place in the Washington sports landscape, which seemed relatively negligible.

"Rookie year, nobody know," he said. " 'Where you from? Capitals? Who? Capitals?'"

"The first season, we'd have sold out probably one game, the beginning of the year, opening-night game," Ovechkin said. "This town has changed a lot."

The team's broadcasts on Comcast SportsNet have drawn an average rating of 1.2 locally, tied for 10th among U.S.-based NHL teams. The average of roughly 27,600 households is more than triple what baseball's Washington Nationals drew last summer on the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, and no NHL team has increased its local viewership more from last season to this. In 2006-07, the Capitals' average rating was a paltry .40.

"There are cities that you say, 'Well, how did they become hockey towns and do so great?' " Leonsis said. "They won championships. That's the answer. That's why, to me, everything else is noise."

The noise, too, is what is filling Verizon Center on a nearly nightly basis. When the Capitals begin post-all-star play Tuesday in Boston, they will do so as the top team in the Southeast Division, second only to the Bruins in the Eastern Conference. And when Ovechkin and the team return to the District after that, the team's most recognizable player may choose to grab something to eat at the most crowded joint in town. The response is almost certain to be something akin to, "Right this way, Mr. Ovechkin."

"If you want to go somewhere like a restaurant or bar, the hostess just says, 'Hey, come on in,' " Ovechkin said. "They always give us good table. What a change."

more...

TWEET

Ovechkin answers to media (audio)

 Someone left me a comment and


(By Bruce Bennett -- Getty Images)

a link to Ovechkin's Q&A with media in Montreal (Jan. 23, 2009), thanks! It's MP3 file, will open in Media Player.

Here's a comment that came with a link :-)

so i am pretty sure that moron at the end of the media scrum is that pens announcer steigerwald. listen to him baiting ovie with all of the pens related questions and asking if he celebrated his goals extra special in front of their bench. i wonder if he asked malkin why he did his little shimmy-shake ice

TWEET