Alex Ovechkin will not go to the NHL All-Star Game, Washington Capitals general manager George McPhee announced Tuesday.
“His heart’s not in it,” McPhee said, adding that the Caps star does not want to be a “distraction” during the festivities.
Ovechkin was suspended three games for his hit on Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Zbynek Michalek on Sunday and was eligible to play this weekend in Ottawa, but he will not attend.
“My heart is not there. I suspended, so why I have to go there?” Ovechkin said. “I love the game; it’s great event. I’d love to be there, but I’m suspended. I don’t want to be a target. I feel I’m not deserving to be there right now. If I suspended, I have to be suspended. That’s why I give up my roster [spot].”
