Alex Ovechkin’s impressive, “borderline inspiring” diet has long been documented and spoken about by many a shocked teammate over the years. This past year, The Great Eight only added to his dietary lore by adding a bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos to his usual pre-road trip Spicy Italian sub from Subway.
Ovechkin recently sat down for an extended panel interview on the Russian show This is hockey, brother! (which was then transcribed by sports.ru). One of the topics broached with the Capitals’ superstar captain was the widespread photos of him with his now routine pre-flight meal.
“Some people follow a diet during the season, some don’t eat pasta, some don’t eat chicken,” Ovechkin said, as translated via Google Translate. “But, I eat whatever I want.”
this travel meal is GOATED pic.twitter.com/bI1uefzwQB
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 1, 2024
When asked if what he consumes impacts his on-ice results, Ovechkin quickly replied in the negative. “Does not affect,” he said.
And you can’t say he’s wrong after this past season. The big, Russian winger became the first player in NHL history to record 19 consecutive 20-goal seasons from the start of their career and the oldest player in NHL history to score 8 or more goals in a 5-game span. At age 38, he scored at over a 50-goal pace in the second half of the season, leading the Capitals to an improbable playoff appearance after he and the team stumbled out of the starting blocks in the fall.
However, Ovechkin also pointed out in the interview that he doesn’t just throw caution to the wind completely with what he eats. He diets during his preseason training to be in top shape when Training Camp rolls around in September which may, in part, explain why he hates the preseason so much.
“Before the season you will need to get in shape,” Ovechkin said. “It’s clear that you’re gaining extra pounds — you’re not moving, you’re resting. Of course, you will need to get into normal physical condition and maybe even lose weight.
“Nutrition and sports [is how I lose weight]. The diet, of course, exists during preparation, but when the regular season begins, that’s it, no diet. More calories.”
The panelists also questioned Ovechkin if he had ever thought about adopting the intense physical and mental regimens that other, older athletes like soccer’s Cristiano Ronaldo put themselves through to stay at the top of their game as they age. Ronaldo reportedly takes five 90-minute naps and eats six healthy meals a day.
“No, I don’t have any problems,” Ovechkin said. “On the contrary, I am for simple, tasty food. Well, [I’d like to] sleep longer, of course.”
Ovechkin will turn 39 before next season gets underway and is just 41 goals shy of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goals record of 894. The 2024-25 campaign will be Ovechkin’s 20th in the NHL.
The legendary goal scorer has just two years remaining on what he said previously would be his last contract. If Flamin’ Hot Cheetos are needed to power him past Gretzky during those two years, get him a lifetime supply.
