Alex Ovechkin has hit yet another milestone. This time, however, it wasn't on the ice.
The Great 8 is celebrating his 30th birthday today. Ovechkin returned to Washington this past week and has already taken the ice for the Capitals over at Kettler Ice Rink in Virginia. As Ovie leaves his 20's he also leaves behind the stigma of being an immature and uncoachable player. As a seasoned veteran and captain of this Capitals team, Ovechkin will now look to take the next step in becoming a legend in the NHL - by bringing the Stanley Cup to Washington. He has proven to fans around the world that he is not the liability that the 'pundits' and 'experts' have been cursing for 10 years. Ovie has stepped out of that shadow and is now ready for the spotlight.
Ovechkin's career is full of highlights (and low-lights), and he has always brought fans out of their seats game-in and game-out. My favorite memory of Ovechkin is when he scored 65 goals in 2007-2008. The Caps were in their offensive prime and Ovechkin lead the way with a brilliant season. It was exciting and fun and it made die-hard fans fall in love with the Capitals all over again.
Alex Ovechkin was exactly what the NHL needed to boost ratings and bring hockey to the next level, especially here in the Mid-Atlantic.
Happy 30 Ovie!
Share your favorite Ovechkin moment in the comment section, and share what you would like to see him do next (I think I already know the answer to that one).
More to come...