Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin will skip the All-Star games in San Jose later this month to have some rest, the player announced on Wednesday. However, he will also face an automatic one-game suspension in accordance with the league’s rules.
“My body needs a rest,” – Ovechkin said of his decision to skip the game.
The Capitals announced the captain’s decision on Wednesday, citing his wish to prepare for the second half of the season. The Capitals have a game on Jan. 23 and another one February 1st against Calgary.
The automatic suspension was confirmed by deputy commissioner Bill Baly who said that all NHL players must face a one-game suspension if they choose not to play in the All-Star game. However, the players, and in this case Ovechkin, has the option to miss either the game before or the one after the All-Star game.
While he chose not to play, it was fans who voted the Russian to captain the Metropolitan Division All-Star team. The full roster for the game to be held on Jan. 26, will be released later on Wednesday. Ovechkin had entered the list automatically being the reigning MVP. He is also the leading goal scorer in the league this season.
