Tuesday afternoon, the NHL announced that Alex Ovechkin and Braden Holtby were named to the 2017 All-Star Game in Los Angeles. The Capitals’ Mike Vogel interviewed each player after last night’s victory and asked what the nomination meant to them.
While Ovechkin looked forward to spending time with his family (who’s “finally” going this year), Holtby looked forward to visiting LA again and worrying less about his results in net.
“It’s fun because there’s not many times you can play hockey without stress,” Holtby said. “You can just go with the flow which is pretty cool.”
The Holtbeast has a very nuanced gameday routine which includes drinking 16-17 liters of water throughout the day. And like his former goaltending coach Olie Kolzig, Holtby is one of the more intense players in the league, holding himself to a high standard.
Transcriptions of both interviews are below.
Alex Ovechkin interview
Alex Ovechkin reacts to the 2017 #NHLAllStar game selection. #CapsAllStars pic.twitter.com/wGDjSoogcE
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 10, 2017
What does it mean to you to be going to LA and being named to the All-Star Game?
Alex Ovechkin: “It’s a huge honor to be All Star. It’s nice to represent Capitals. It’s a great honor for me and I always enjoy the time. I always enjoy to be there, hang out with best players out there. Finally, my family going there. So it’s going to be huge.”
Is it a little more special that Braden is going with you?
Alex Ovechkin: “Obviously, he’s deserved. He’s one of the best player in the league, goalie in league. Last year, he was best goalie in the league and right now you see how he play last game. He keep us in games and give us victories.”
What do you look forward to the most other than the game?
Alex Ovechkin: “Just to spend time with my family. Obviously my wife is going to be there, my brother, my mom and dad, a couple of friends. We’re just going to chill and enjoy the great weather. Again, it’s all about the fun. It’s all about the fans. We going to have goo show and gonna win some money too.”
Braden Holtby interview
Braden Holtby reacts to the 2017 #NHLAllStar game selection. #CapsAllStars pic.twitter.com/xogt68GPqn
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 10, 2017
What does it mean to you?
Braden Holtby: “It’s a big honor. Obviously, I didn’t really know what to expect last year experience wise. It’ll be nice this year to enjoy it and take in the events. Any time you get to go to LA it’s pretty fun so it’s pretty cool.”
What does it mean to share this experience with Ovechkin?
Braden Holtby: “It’s pretty special the things he’s accomplishing career wise this year. It’s pretty cool to be around obviously. I think there’ll probably be enough media around him around Ovi here all weekend. I don’t think we’ll get to see him very much. I think [he’s] a pretty special face of the game and he represents it well.”
What do you look forward to the most other than the game?
Braden Holtby: “I think just taking in the whole experience. The NHL does a pretty amazing job putting on the concerts and the different things. It’s fun because there’s not many times you can play hockey without stress. You can just go with the flow which is pretty cool.”
Headline photo: Patrick Smith
