Alex Ovechkin actually netted two honors from the NHL on Wednesday night.
Not only did Ovechkin win his eighth Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy for leading the NHL goals, but he was also named to the NHL’s end-of-season First All-Star Team. The Capitals’ John Carlson, who finished fourth among defensemen in league scoring, was named to the NHL’s Second All-Star Team.
Left Wings
Ovechkin was one of three Russians who made the First All-Star Team, including Hart Trophy winner Nikita Kucherov and Vezina Trophy winner Andrei Vasilevskiy.
His eighth Rocket Richard Trophy, the most among any player in NHL history.
You are one special player, @ovi8. #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/3XMDZtRHtc
— NHL (@NHL) June 20, 2019
According to the NHL, the honor was Ovechkin’s eighth career berth on the First Team and first since 2014-15. Ovechkin’s 12 career postseason All-Star Team selections are the most among active players. He’s also a four-time honoree on the Second Team.
Seven of Ovechkin’s eight career First Team berths have come at left wing (he was voted to the First Team at right wing in 2012-13). The only left wings in NHL history with more First Team selections are Bobby Hull (10) and Ted Lindsay (8).
Defensemen
Meanwhile, Carlson’s nod is his first to an NHL end-of-season All-Star Team. Unlike in Norris Trophy voting, Carlson netted more votes than Victor Hedman to slide into third place among all defensemen.
Voting for the All-Star Team is conducted among representatives of the Professional Hockey Writers Association at the end of the regular season.
