Alex Ovechkin to skip NHL All-Star Game

WASHINGTON - Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin will skip Sunday’s National Hockey League All-Star Game in Ottawa after the NHL gave him a three-game ban, the Russian superstar said on Tuesday.

Ovechkin was issued the suspension by the league on Monday night for a charging incident in which he launched himself into the air to hit Pittsburgh defenseman Zbynek Michalek in the head in a 4-3 overtime loss last Sunday.

No penalty was assessed on the play, which took place 4:05 into the second period at Pittsburgh.

“I’m really disappointed,” Ovechkin said. “My game is play physical, play hard. I don’t think it was a bad hit, dirty hit. I don’t think it was a three-game suspension.”

Ovechkin said that he was aiming for Michalek’s body, not the Czech’s head.

“My heart is not there,” Ovechkin said. “I got suspended so why I have to go? I love the game. It’s a great event. But I’m suspended.

AFP