Ovechkin: New system is 60% offense, 40% defense

Ovechkin talks to Russian version of NHL.com on Jan. 22, 2013.

Impressions about the end of lockout
Ovechkin: Was happy when lockout ended, but frankly thought that I would finish the season with Dynamo, had good relationships there it was sad to leave.

On short season, abbreviated training camp
Difference, only 1 week, not enough time to play, to feel each other

New coaching staff
You feel energy, everybody is interested to learn new system.

You've changed the systems like 3 times in the last 3 years.
I'd say the new system is like 60% offense, 40% defense. Everyone, both defensemen and forwards participate in offense.

On playing right wing
We talked about it. I have good relationship with new coach, we decided to try how I would feel on the right.

Leonsis declared that he would let you go to the Olympics no matter what
It good (smiling).

At the end you can see Alex Ovechkin getting into his batmobile, that makes low frequency noise more like a tank, and leaving the scene. A half year later Batman returns, scene one. :-)

Now fast forward to January 25, Friday 2013, after three loses with two of them at home, Caps face the New Jersey Devils. Here's Ilya Kovalchuk interview after morning skate:



Kovi talks in monosyllabic voice and with the same facial expression through the whole interview. He is asked about the Caps, he answers (blah, blah), and then he is asked if he faced Ovechkin in the KHL, "Yes," he says, "only once". "How did that go?" is the next question. "We won, 3-1," answers Kovi, with the huge huge grin he can't hide.

Here's a good read from Fire and Ice blog, "Alex Ovechkin moving to RW not only idea Capitals coach Adam Oates is 'stealing' from Devils"

What was interesting to read that it took Kovalchuk a long time to adjust playing right wing. During that process coach MacLean, who started it, was fired. :-)

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