Alex Ovechkin is a dangerous goal-scorer. And a dangerous goal-hugger. The 239-pound wrecking ball of joy has had some big hits when going in for hugs, but miraculously, none of his teammates have been seriously injured by the friendly fire.
In honor of National Hugging Day, let’s look back at some of the best violently-affectionate hugs that Ovechkin has bestowed upon his poor unsuspecting teammates.
Appreciate the dread in Backstrom’s eyes. This is a man seeing his own death coming at him with a big gap-toothed grin on its face.
Photo: Len Redkoles
Troy Brouwer didn’t keep his head up so technically this squishing is not Ovi’s fault.
Photo: Greg Fiume
RIP Viktor Kozlov.
Photo: Bruce Bennett
Brooks Laich’s joyful murder in action.
Photo: Bruce Bennet
Who can forget the time Joel Ward feared Alex Ovechkin would injure him with him during a Game 5 celebration in 2013?
Or Nate Schmidt likening being hugged by Alex Ovechkin to “getting hit by a bus?”
Ovechkin and Backstrom’s hugs have gentled over the years.
Oooor maybe not, since here’s Ovi’s response to Backstrom’s OT game-winner against Grubi and the Avs in November.
Nicklas Backstrom has been taking some notes on Ovi Hugs and tackled Erik Karlsson in Sochi.
Tom Wilson is also a good tackle-hugger.
Gotta hug your fans, too.
Of all the leaping-on-your-teammates-like-an-ecstatic-puppy-hugs there are, this one is unquestionably the best.
Headline photo: Bruce Bennett
