We’ve known for years that Alex Ovechkin is a tough player. Russian machine never breaks and all that. During a first-period power play, Ovechkin’s immunity to human pain was spotlighted when he blocked a Blackhawks clearing attempt WITH HIS THROAT.

GIF by @myregularface

Most players would be unwilling to stop a puck with their throats, but Ovi actually prefers it that way.

As he drops to his knees, look at Ovi pass the puck to a teammate. Anything for a goal right?

“This is a good example of his grit,” Pierre McGuire said during the replay.

Pierre followed that up with an backhanded insult.

“If he chooses to be a player, he can be as forceful as any player in the league.”

Pierre, you numbskull.

Full RMNB Coverage of the Winter Classic