Anyone who lives on the East Coast, especially those who have a local team in the Southeastern Division, have been wowed by the on-ice wizardry of Alexander Mikailovich Ovechkin. Ever since he was picked first overall on June 26, 2004 at the Raleigh NHL Draft (only the second Russian player ever picked number one, following Ilya Kovalchuk), Ovechkin has shown why he's one of the best hockey players in the world today. In his rookie year, Ovechkin made his presence known by finishing the season third overall in the league for points (106), tied for third in goals (52), and first in shots (425). And he's still lighting the lamp this season with no letdown in points.
The 6' 2" 212 pound left winger can shoot and score with proficiency (he's a right-handed shot), even in the midst of traffic, and he's not afraid to deliver hits to the opposition. He also has a great work ethic on the ice and is an affable, open interview subject off the ice. His English has improved immensely since he left his native Moscow for Washington, D.C.
At the age of 21, he has already won the Valery Kharlamov Trophy as the best Russian player in the NHL and been named a finalist for the Calder Trophy (outstanding rookie). More telling of his reputation around the league is his nomination for the Lester B. Pearson Award, an honor bestowed upon the outstanding player as voted by his peers in the NHL Players Association. Ovechkin, who will start alongside Sidney Crosby at the 2007 NHL All-Star Game, took some time to answer some questions about hockey. After all, he's been infatuated with the sport since he first picked up a toy hockey stick at the age of 2 in Moscow.
When did he first pick up a hockey stick?
When I was 7.
What team do you like playing against the most?
This year, I like to play against Ottawa. We beat Ottawa two times. The first time we played them we lost 3-0. Then we beat them twice. So it's nice.
What is your favorite NHL arena to play in, and why?
I love to play in Montreal. I love the crowds and the attention.
What videogame systems do you own?
I have PSP, PS3, Xbox 360.
What do you think of the PS3?
They don't have lots of games, but PS3 is nice and when they have more games it will be cool.
Are the EA Sports NHL 07 games popular in your hometown?
The NHL videogames are very popular in Russia. My friends buy these games and I gave them some of the new EA games.
What do you think about the new NHL 07 game you're on the cover of?
It's unbelievable. It's like the real game. You see the real faces of the players in the game.
What are your thoughts on the virtual Alex Ovechkin in the game?
My in-game player is a good player.
Are you the best videogame player on the Caps?
I really don't ask the other guys if they play videogames. I think some players might play games.
What is your favorite TV show?
I have lots of favorite movies.
If you had to pick one.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.
Whats your favourite artist/band?
Eminem and I like Russian music.
