Ovechkin's Best 2009 in DC
By Rudi Greenberg, Express Night Out, Nov. 6, 2009:
LAST SEASON, after scoring a particularly unbelievable goal against the Montreal Canadiens that saw him stealing the puck at center ice, falling on his back, and somehow poking the puck past the Canadiens' net minder as he fell, Ovechkin looked to the stands and cupped his hand to one ear, as if to say, "I can't hear you," to the capacity crowd. The Verizon Center erupted, giving Ovechkin a hockey equivalent of a curtain call. He smiled, flashing the toothless grin that's become an iconic D.C. image since he joined the team in 2005.
Photo by Lawrence Luk for Express
When he's not egging the fans on, Ovechkin's crashing into the boards, grabbing his teammates or dropping his stick as if it's too hot to handle. Sure, his antics are a bit ridiculous, but it's why we love him. You voted him Best D.C. Athlete, so we asked the Great 8 for his Best of 2009.
Restaurant:
Ovechkin couldn't decide, but he says he likes to go to Chopsticks in Georgetown for sushi and Russia House for a little taste of home.
Bar:
"My basement," Ovechkin says, where he indulges in beer, wine and vodka.
D.C. Athlete:
Gilbert Arenas of the Wizards, who also calls Verizon Center home. "I love watching the way he plays," Ovechkin says.
Place to Drive:
Ovechkin's a big car aficionado — he's boasted about his Mercedes-Benz going 180 miles per hour. "The road is the best spot to drive — just anywhere," he says.
Best Local Athlete:
Alex Ovechkin
» Explore a full list of the year's winners at the Best of 2009 index.
Ovi gets americanized, not long ago he was craving for Russian Borodinski bread, now it nachos and coke. :-)
Posts
9 comments:
Him getting "americanized" will soften the "It sucks here and there's a lot of fat people" attitude. Haha.
Ovi never said, and he will never say anything degrading American people either here or in Russian press. It was Varly who said about chubby American girls. But that's a difference between Ovi and any Russian.
I mean it in the sense that some people from other countries dislike this country at first. And I know that Ovechkin is a person who has loads of respect for people and so forth, but the entire generalization of having him "Americanized" show me in a way his maturity. He's learned how to cope with being far away from home and is fitting nicely in the U.S. And I know Ovie's a gem and has already been to be a part of the team and everything in it. I was just pointing out the irony. It used to be all business, but of course, one gets used to the American way...
I don't think Ovie will ever become completely Americanized...he loves his country too much for that...
OVECHKIN WHERE ARE YOU?
I TRIED TO CONTACT YOU SEVERAL TIMES.
You should invite Masha Sharapova in Washington DC for a ice hockey match. She is not against it. She told us in the last ESPN magazine in june 2009.
She was waiting your invitation for the new season but she didn't receive it. But remember you are her talent compatriot and you told us that she is a great athlete.
You are both talented.
Here a poem about you
The Sun and the beautiful Rose
Sharapava is a beautiful yellow Rose which gives happiness to our lifes and hearts
Ovechkin is the Sun which shines around us and give us happiness and energy
The Yellow Rose can’t live without the Sun which gives her energy and life
And the Sun has no role if he doesn’t shine and give life to the Yellow Rose
When the Sun is shining the Yellow Rose opens out and becomes even prettier
The Sun and the Yellow rose can’t live without each other.
After a rainy day, the Sun is here to dry the Rose and protect her
If the Sun stops shining the Yellow Rose won’t exist
But together they are strong and beautiful
Nothing will separate them
They need each other to be happy.
It is the law of the nature.
If Ovie hadn't grown up at a time when Moscow was becoming the exciting city it is today he might be more open to living elsewhere when his playing career ends. But with more than 10 years remaining on his current contract a lot can happen. I appreciate that he says DC is his second home and sounds sincere about it, but my benchmark for him is when he dates (3-6 months minimum) at least one N. American female who doesn't have family ties to Russia. He says he likes all women, so lets see some evidence especially since he is in N. America 8+ months out of every year. He is in the prime time of life for trying new things. (And Ovie, your English would improve even more.)
I don't think it is good for a man to spend time with several girls. One girl for a life is enough. Alex Ovechkin PARENTS are an excellent exemple to follow. You should have serious relationship.
I think it is time for Ovechkin to find a serious girl he likes.
Recently he told us that he would like to meet Sharapova. He should invite her at least. She is not against according the ESPN magazine. I know she left her ex boyfriend and she is trying to find a new one.
OVECHKIN WHERE ARE YOU?
I TRIED TO CONTACT YOU SEVERAL TIMES.
You should invite Masha Sharapova in Washington DC for a ice hockey match. She is not against it. She told us in the last ESPN magazine in june 2009.
She was waiting your invitation for the new season but she didn't receive it. But remember you are her talent compatriot and you told us that she is a great athlete.
You are both talented.
Here a poem about you
The Sun and the beautiful Rose
Sharapava is a beautiful yellow Rose which gives happiness to our lifes and hearts
Ovechkin is the Sun which shines around us and give us happiness and energy
The Yellow Rose can’t live without the Sun which gives her energy and life
And the Sun has no role if he doesn’t shine and give life to the Yellow Rose
When the Sun is shining the Yellow Rose opens out and becomes even prettier
The Sun and the Yellow rose can’t live without each other.
After a rainy day, the Sun is here to dry the Rose and protect her
If the Sun stops shining the Yellow Rose won’t exist
But together they are strong and beautiful
Nothing will separate them
They need each other to be happy.
It is the law of the nature.
Ovie is a very young man. He has plenty of time to meet young women and find the right one for him. If you don't look around and try different types, then you have no idea what is out there and have no persective on what type is best for you and your lifestyle. This isn't past centuries where you never moved beyond your village.
I think Ovie will eventually find someone to settle into a long-term relationship with. Currently, he is still in a "sow wild oats" stage of life. He isn't ready to settle down yet and that is fine. I don't see him making the relationship mistakes Fedorov still makes.
To follow up on the comments above, that's what I meant, that he was not very open to most things, but he's changing in that way. And of course, a lot could change in ten years...
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