Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin just became the first forward in 16 years to win the Hardest Shot competition after nailing a puck 101.3 MPH in his second attempt.
“It feels great. That’s why I work so hard in the summer… for this competition,” Ovechkin joked to Jeremy Roenick after winning.
First attempt
In the lead so far! #NHLAllStar #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/MuI6UTs0fW
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 28, 2018
Ovechkin actually won the competition with his first attempt, nailing a puck 98.8 MPH.
A geeking out Ovi was very happy with his work.
Second attempt
101.3! #NHLAllStar #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/wtv6GEpJUv
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 28, 2018
After PK Subban nailed a shot at 98.7, one tenth of a MPH less than Ovechkin’s previous attempt, the Russian machine completed the event in style.
On Ovechkin’s second try, he improved his score by 3.4 MPH.
The Great 8 was very excited when he saw he broke the century mark. Ovechkin was the only player to do so.
Earlier in the night, Ovi predicted PK Subban would win the title. Instead he did.
“I think sometimes you feel like puck go fast, but it’s not,” Ovechkin said. “I try you have to hit certain spot at net because little cheat on net, but I don’t know. I just get lucky. I get win and I take it.”
Ovechkin will pocket $25,000 for winning the event.
The last forward to win the Hardest Shot competition was Ovechkin’s former teammate, Sergei Fedorov, in 2002.
Here are the full results:
ROUND 1
Player | Shot 1 (mph)
1. John Klingberg, Dallas Stars | 96.6
2. Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals | 98.8
3. P.K. Subban, Nashville Predators | 95.5
4. Brent Burns, San Jose Sharks | 88.0
5. Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning | 95.2
ROUND 2
Player | Shot 2 (mph)
1. Brent Burns, San Jose Sharks | 92.4
2. Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning | 95.9
3. P.K. Subban, Nashville Predators | 98.7
4. John Klingberg, Dallas Stars | 97.6
5. Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals | 101.3
PPG NHL Hardest Shot Winner: Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals (101.3)
