Alex Ovechkin did a pregame interview with ABC before the Washington Capitals’ 3-2 shootout loss to the Boston Bruins on Saturday.
Ovechkin, standing at ice level by the Capitals bench, took one question each from host Steve Levy and analysts PK Subban and Mark Messier.
“A couple of months ago, I asked Sid this question,” Subban began. “You and Sid have been the faces of the National Hockey League for two decades now. What still motivates you to come to the rink every day?”
“Atmosphere, hanging out with the boys, and obviously– we still love hockey, so that’s the most important thing,” Ovechkin replied, an answer similar to the one he gave to TJ Oshie in an ABC feature the week before.
Alex Ovechkin interview via @ESPN/X
Then, Levy, noting the 3 pm puck drop, asked Ovechkin what he had for breakfast. The Capitals captain is known for chowing down on a huge chicken parm meal before 7 pm games.
“Spaghetti,” Ovechkin replied, smiling. “With my kids. They love it.”
But what came after the chat might have been most notable. Levy pointed out that there was a topic they were forbidden to talk about with Ovechkin.
“We were asked not to get into if this was the last season and the final few games,” Levy said.
The request comes as the Capitals now have 14 games remaining in the regular season, including six at home at Capital One Arena. Ovechkin, 40, is in the final year of his contract with the Caps. He has said that he will make up his mind after the season concludes, and his decision will be informed by how his body feels.
“Because right now, hockey is so hard, it’s so fast,” Ovechkin told Oshie. “I’m 40, and it’s hard to keep up with young guys. You know? But most important thing is health-wise. I don’t wanna be like, I don’t wanna play hockey, and then after one or two years, my knee or my elbow or my back is gonna be hurting. So I’m not gonna feel comfortable for the rest of my life. So I have to be smart about it.”
