Monday, June 26, 2006

Ovechkin's Face Everywhere

Do you know the saying, “It’s all coming up roses.”? Well for the Washington Capitals, it’s all coming up Alexander Ovechkin. With Ovechkin’s success sweeping the hockey world (a.k.a. Canada) the Capitals look to reap the rewards with exposure. My mailbox has exploded with the recent awards and latest news on how Ovechkin is the NHL’s new poster child.

With the season ending not even a month ago, Ovechkin keeps popping up everywhere around the NHL. I was surprised he was not in the analyst booth between periods of the Stanley Cup Playoffs (But NBC does have “the goal” as apart of their NHL on NBC opening).

So much is a stake for the young forward and if Ovechkin isn’t feeling the pressure to bring a championship to D.C. he will be as soon as the Caps start winning games. Not just from the fans of the Capitals, but from management as well.

For the moment the Capitals’ knight in shiny armor is enjoying the ride. From awards ceremony to draft day in Vancouver, hockey fans are recognizing Ovechkin’s true talent. The Capitals couldn’t pay for that kind of attention.

The Calder Trophy award winner Ovechkin isn’t done with his acceptance speeches just yet. #8 is nominated for two ESPY awards. Best Breakthrough Athlete and Best NHL Player. While the former may be a stretch, Ovechkin has a good chance of winning breakthrough.

Ovechkin joins Kimmie Meissner, Shaun White and Chris Paul who were all nominated for Breakthrough Athlete. Jaromir Jagr, Cam Ward and Joe Thornton for best NHL Player.

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