Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin was voted one of four captains for the 2020 NHL All-Star Weekend, taking place Jan. 24-25.
Ovechkin led all Metropolitan Division players in fan voting, giving him the captaincy. It’s the third year in a row and fourth time overall that Ovechkin was named captain of the Metropolitan team.
The other captains will be David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins for the Atlantic Division; Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers for the Pacific Division; and Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche for the Central Division.
This year marks the ninth time Ovechkin, 34, has been named an All-Star, but last year he turned some heads by opting not to participate. In accordance with league rules, Ovechkin served a one-game suspension from the NHL for skipping All-Star festivities.
It’s unclear whether he’ll choose the same route this season. Last year, Ovechkin cited needing a true break from hockey to allow his body some recovery time. At the time the Capitals were just seven months removed from their Stanley Cup championship, and the shorter (and more celebratory) offseason that followed it.
Ovechkin leads Washington and is tied for fourth in the NHL in goals with 22.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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