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Alex Ovechkin recently talked about his favorite NHL teams besides the Washington Capitals. In an interview with Russian blogger Amiran Sardarov, he named the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Edmonton Oilers as the teams that he supports.
Ovechkin likes Tampa Bay because of their style. (Start at 1:00:52)
"I like Tampa – they play combination hockey," he said per sports.ru. “Everyone plays a pass, it’s nice to watch.” (translated by Google)
Ovechkin has scored 50 goals and 96 points against the Lightning per Stat Muse. Tampa Bay has been quite successful under Steven Stamkos' captaincy. They won two Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. But Stamkos got traded to the Nashville Predators this year.
Alex Ovechkin also likes the Edmonton Oilers.
“I like Edmonton. But again, it all depends on the players.” Ovechkin said. (translated by Google)
Ovechkin is a fan of Oilers star Connor McDavid. He once said he would buy McDavid’s jersey if he had to choose one among current players in the league. Both players have won the Hart Trophy three times as the NHL’s MVP. Additionally, McDavid once gave Ovechkin a signed stick as a gift for Ovi Jr.
Ovechkin has praised McDavid's skills, saying,
"He’s from a different planet. How he plays the game. How he controls the puck. He controls his speed. He’s very fun to watch," Ovechkin said per The Hockey News (translated by Google).
Alex Ovechkin defends postgame beers as "It relieves tension"
Alex Ovechkin became famous for his Stanley Cup keg stand after the Capitals' 2018 win. He values postgame beers and says many players relax with a drink after games.
"We just like to relax. After hockey, you are tired; a couple of glasses of wine or beer is normal," Ovechkin told Amiran Sardarov. “It relieves tension.”
The Capitals keep a fridge stocked with beer in the coach's room. Ovechkin added,
"After the game, two to three cans of beer, with pleasure. It’s useful."
Alex Ovechkin drinks a few beers per night in the offseason but cuts back as the NHL season approaches.
