Alex Ovechkin has officially broken Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record, and it’s been busy days for the greatest goal scorer in league history. But now, it’s been revealed that he turned down an appearance on The Tonight Show—for the most awesome reason. This really says everything about him.
It’s been a whirlwind for Alex Ovechkin since becoming the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer. He notched career goal No. 895 against the New York Islanders on Sunday, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing record. His teammates immediately swarmed the ice to celebrate, and afterward, he was doused with beer in the locker room. Gretzky himself was in attendance, and the two shared a special moment behind the scenes—respect, photos, and all.
When things calmed down, Ovechkin addressed the team with a simple but powerful message: the ‘real stuff’ is still ahead. The Capitals clinched a playoff spot weeks ago, and since then, the focus has largely been on Ovechkin’s chase for one of hockey’s most legendary milestones.
“Let’s keep it rolling, man,” Ovechkin told his teammates. “Yeah, five or six games left. And [the chase] is over, finally. Now the real stuff is coming.”
Why Alex Ovechkin turned down TV apperance
Ovechkin’s unique mentality is what’s made him so great—and what’s still driving him forward. His personal mission might be complete, but don’t expect him to slow down until the Capitals have given everything in the playoffs.
That mindset was on full display in a revelation from Capitals owner Ted Leonsis, who shared that Ovechkin had declined an appearance on The Tonight Show.
”Alex was invited on some television shows and The Tonight Show in New York to build his brand, hype, and celebrate,” Leonsis said per RMNB. “You know what he said? ‘I’m exhausted. I want to show respect to the coach and my teammates. I want to rest. I want to get ready for Thursday’s game and the sprint of the playoffs. I don’t want to have to fly back to New York and come back. Yeah, it might be good for me, but it’s time.’ And that’s what you want from your captain.”
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