ESPN released a new feature for E:60, focused on Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, titled The Great 8. The Washington Capitals posted it on their social media channels late Thursday night.
The feature was hosted by former Capitals beat writer for the Washington Post, Rachel Nichols, who is now one of the biggest sports journalists in the world for ESPN. Using a 2009 E:60 feature she did with Ovechkin as a foundation, Nichols’ feature weaves through footage between 2009 and now to play up Ovechkin’s greatness (similar to old Michael Jordan videos) and his growth as a hockey player and person through a narrative-driven story.
There’s not much new in this 10-minute clip that hardcore Capitals fans haven’t seen or don’t already know. But it’s still mandatory viewing. The feature is a joy to watch as it highlights Ovechkin’s greatest hits and relives the team’s 2018 Stanley Cup championship. Nichols is an excellent storyteller and reporter and ESPN’s editing and video presentation is second to none.
One of the most interesting things we learn in the clip is that Ovechkin has never watched Game Five back, the night the Capitals beat the Vegas Golden Knights to win the Stanley Cup Final, and he can’t remember holding up the Stanley Cup for the first time.
“Tough memories because it’s erased,” Ovechkin said. “I was so excited, I can’t remember basically nothing. Just blackout. When you watch the video, you watch the highlights, I never watch the game (back) yet. Um, because, I don’t know, maybe one day. That game was probably the biggest game of my life.”
Video
Here are my favorite moments.
- This exchange starts off the video.
[Rachel Nichols narrates. “10 years ago, I interviewed one of the most exciting young players the NHL has ever seen.”]
Rachel Nichols: “These are really hard questions. You ready?”
Alex Ovechkin: “How many?”
Rachel Nichols: “A lot.”
Alex Ovechkin: “2 page?”
Rachel Nichols: “My friend…” [holds up multiple pages] Alex Ovechkin: “Oh my god, you kidding me?”
Rachel Nichols: “Yup.”
Alex Ovechkin: “Jesus.” [buries head into hands] - Ovechkin admits he once drove 180mph in his car. That’s a yikes.
- Yes, I need to point out the old footage of Ovechkin acting like a robot/machine to mock Don Cherry. “No celebration when you score goals.”
- According to the clapperboard, one of the interviews for this feature was done on March 28, 2019, seven months earlier than its release.
- Ovechkin gave a rare tour of the memorabilia at his house. He has hundreds of hockey sticks in his basement. Ovechkin keeps many of his own milestone sticks and asks other superstars for their own.
Screenshot: ESPN
- Alex Ovechkin held up his tiny replica Stanley Cup from the NHL over his head, teasing his own celebration in 2018.
- In 2009, Nichols asked Ovechkin how many Stanley Cups he thought he could win. “Well first I have to win one and this is my biggest dream right now,” an optimistic and bright-eyed Ovechkin said. 10 years later, Ovechkin reflected on all the years of choking before the Stanley Cup win. “It was hard years when we losing. We tried to find who’s the problem? What’s the problem is? Sometimes you think like maybe it’s the one player, a couple of players.”
Nichols asked if he ever thought he was the problem.
“I don’t know. I never felt like it, maybe it was me, maybe the Capitals should trade me and get a couple of pieces they missing but… how you say, destiny.”
- Hello, Deadguins logo!
Screenshot: ESPN
- Beating the Penguins in their 2018 playoff series was a defining moment in Ovechkin’s career. “It was huge. It’s kind of relief. Mentally it was very important for us to get a [series] win (over the Penguins).”
- Here’s Ovechkin recollecting what it was like to wait for the clock to expire in Game Five of the Stanley Cup Final. “The last two minutes were like the longest two minutes of my life,” he said. “You don’t want to make any mistake so you try to play as safe as you can and not give them anything. My hair so grey because you nervous and you get excited.”
- On the celebration carrying the Cup around: “Tough memories because it’s erased. I was so excited, I can’t remember basically nothing. Just blackout. When you watch the video, you watch the highlights, I never watch the game (back) yet. Um, because, I don’t know, maybe one day. That game was probably the biggest game of my life.”
- Ovi had a lot of critics who said he asn’t a winner. Did that Stanley Cup quiet them? “Yeah of course. The people talking didn’t win a championship so they just talking, so you don’t have to listen to them.”
- Nichols asked Ovechkin how would you celebrate if you won the Stanley Cup in 2009. “Um, if I win the Stanley Cup, you gonna see.” Is it going to be good? “Oh yeah.” 10 years later. “It was great. It was fun time. Tremendous time with the team, the family, the fans. We won together and we celebrate together. 100 people was around and we was right in the middle of the party.”
- How much alcohol did Ovi drink? “I don’t drink alcohol at all. I just drink water.”
I don’t believe you, Ovi.
- And yeah this.
Here’s Nichols’ previous E:60 feature on Ovechkin from 2009 in full.
Headline photo: ESPN
