Alex Ovechkin asked the Caps not to go to the All-Star Game

Alex Ovechkin has been an NHL star since his very first season (2005-2006) in the big league.

The Russian is one of the most productive players in the league’s history, and he’s currently under the microscope because he’s only 64 goals shy of the NHL record held by none other than Wayne Gretzky.

But things aren’t going smoothly for the Capitals’ captain. Ovi is on track for the worst season of his career, and if he keeps up the pace, he’ll end the campaign with 18 goals.

He’s a bit unrecognizable and you can feel he’s starting to reach the end of his tether. He’s tired, which is one of the reasons he told his club he wanted to skipper this year’s All-Star Game weekend.

At least, that’s the information obtained by Tarik El-Bashir, a journalist assigned to cover the team.

FYI: Alex Ovechkin notified the #ALLCAPS a while ago that his preference was to skip this year’s All-Star Game in order to rest up and prepare himself for the second half, I’m told. https://t.co/5LuYOwIv4Z

– Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) January 5, 2024

Some will say he doesn’t deserve to be here because he slowed down… But in Washington, Ovechkin is still the team’s leading scorer (24 points).

Dylan Strome (22 points) and John Carlson (20 points) are right behind him, and that’s where you notice that it’s been tough offensively for the Capitals so far this season.

Anyways. The Capitals have finally decided to send Tom Wilson to the All-Star Game. This will be his second appearance in the event.

It’s not the first time we’ve seen Ovechkin refuse to take part in the festivities. In 2020, he was suspended for one game because he decided to rest. This year, he won’t be suspended because he wasn’t chosen to go. That’s the difference.

The game he missed because of his suspension in 2020 was against the Habs, by the way.

In gusto

– You have to be happy for him, even if he’s more than important in the Alouettes line-up.

– A real monster.

27:20 TOI, a few key PK blocks, a stick in the face that drew a double minor, some late fisticuffs. Lane Hutson showed off the layers he’s added to his game. pic.twitter.com/FnImod4JR3

– Jon Rosen (@jonnyrosen) January 5, 2024

– Voilà.

Canada didn’t win a medal at the 2024 Junior Worlds, but 17 Canadian Hockey League players are leaving Sweden with medals around their necks. A special mention goes to Matyas Melovsky of the Drakkar for his 11 points in 7 games, 3rd among all scorers at the tournament. #sunshine

– Mikaël Lalancette (@MikLalancette) January 5, 2024

– Beautiful hair.

A few flows from the week.

Presented by @GreatClips pic.twitter.com/Wo13uW1A46

– NHL (@NHL) January 5, 2024