Alex Ovechkin: Late Start Means New Year's Celebration

Filed under: Capitals, Penguins, Winter Classic

PITTSBURGH -- Enjoying every moment of the NHL Winter Classic spotlight, Capitals superstar Alexander Ovechkin says he's all for the move to an opening faceoff in prime time.

"It's better if it's going to be evening," Ovechkin said after the Capitals practice on Friday afternooon at Heinz Field for their Winter Classic showdown with the Pittsburgh Penguins. "We have games all the time at 7:00 (p.m.). So if it's going to be 8:00 (p.m.), that's okay because you can sleep. You can eat normal food, like steaks and spaghetti and just take a nap before the game. If it's going to be at 8:00 (p.m.), you can celebrate New Year's, too."

Ovechkin was asked if he had begun to make plans for a party.

"Yeah," he said with a sly grin, breaking up reporters in the press conference room at Heinz Field.

Despite his struggles this season to produce offensively at his usual level, Ovechkin has reveled in the spotlight leading up to the league's marquee regular season event. On Friday afternoon at Heinz, he appeared to be having the time of his life at practice and during the team's family skate.

"It's a good moment for us," is how Ovechkin described the Winter Classic.

As for his substandard season -- Ovechkin has just four goals in his last 21 games -- he made no excuses.

"The reason is, it's all about me," said Ovechkin. "I have a chance to score goals, I have to score."

 

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Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2010/12/31/alex-ovechkin-late-start-means-new-years-celebration/

Stanislas Wawrinka Steve Stricker Steven Gerrard Thierry Henry Thomaz Bellucci