Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin is skipping the NHL All-Star Game for a second straight season.
Ovechkin, 34, cited he wanted to rest his body to get ready for the second half the season and a deep run in the playoffs. Currently, the Capitals lead the NHL with 59 points and 27 wins.
“Thanks, first of all, to fans for voting me,” Ovechkin said following the Capitals’ 2-1 overtime win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. “It’s a hard decision. I have to listen to my body. I have to get ready for the second half of the year. I have to be healthy and focus on different things. It’s hard decision obviously being captain in All-Star Game but I have to do what’s best for me and my team.”
Ovechkin will now face a one-game suspension for being healthy and electing to skipping the All-Star Game per NHL rules. He and the Capitals will have the choice of him being suspended for their Jan. 18 game at the New York Islanders or Jan. 27 at the Montreal Canadiens.
Ovechkin was voted as the captain of the Metro Division All-Star team. He is second among active players with seven All-Star appearances, trailing only Patrick Kane, who has eight.
This will be Ovechkin’s fourth All-Star Game he will miss. He also skipped last year’s game for rest, resulting in a one-game suspension as well.
