Five Alexander Ovechkin facts

Alexander Ovechkin, one of the true Russian greats, has just been celebrating his 31st birthday, and he will be wanting a present tomorrow at the World Cup of Hockey! It's time to find out some facts about his remarkable playing career to date:

Wants to catch up with Sergei Fyodorov

Overall, Alexander occupies fourth place out of Russian top scorers in the NHL. Alexander wants to improve that statistic, and given that he is the only player in the top four who is still competing, he has a real chance of becoming the best! However, to catch up with Sergei Fyodorov, Alexander needs 200 more points.

Asteroid Ovechkin

Did you know that Alexander has an asteroid named after him? It was called 257261 Ovechkin, and goaltenders can compare Alexander's shot to an asteroid! Indeed he can shoot the puck faster than 160 kilometers per hour!

Loves charity

At the 2015 NHL All-Star Game, some of the players themselves got to choose 33 players to compete in the glittering NHL event. However, Alexander didn't want to be chosen, as to be awarded a car that he would sell to raise funds for a sick young girl. In the end up, Alexander was picked for the All-Star Game and won a car too, which he used to help the girl! 

Has become a Washington legend

Since joining the NHL, Alexander has played for the Washington Capitals over eleven eventful seasons. He has racked up an amazing 966 points in 839 matches, and on an average, he scores 1.15 points a game. It's hard to imagine the capital outfit without him!

Isn't just a scorer

Yes, Alexander can score goals better than anyone else, but he's not just a one trick pony. Here is how he can smash his opponents with crushing hits: 

Even the great Jaromir Jagr became one of Alexander's victims!

On the 18th of September, Alexander Ovechkin will captain Russia in the team's 2016 World Cup of Hockey game against Sweden.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation