The forward from Russia and captain of the Washington Capitals, Alexander Ovechkin, recalled a playful goal from the 2015 NHL All-Star Game: he wanted to be picked last so he could buy a charity car and donate it to a good cause. The moment was less about a trophy and more about generosity, with Ovechkin shaping a memorable story around the weekend’s showcase of talent.
He explained his plan with a grin, saying he hoped to finish last in the draft to secure a car that would be given away. He spoke of wanting the vehicle for charity, noting that he already owned cars and did not need another one. The motivation felt personal and practical, a simple wish to turn a moment of fun into something meaningful for others.
When the draft rolled on, there was a twist: no single last pick was made. A car found its way to two players who had not previously been selected, turning the moment into a small surprise that echoed the spirit of the event—sharing the spotlight and the prize with others rather than keeping it to oneself.
Ovechkin did not participate in this season’s NHL All-Star Game itself, a fact that stood out amid the festivities. The absence did not dampen the surrounding chatter or the reflections on the week’s events, as fans and teammates kept a steady focus on the game’s broader meaning and the charitable tradition the All-Star weekend often highlights.
On the night of January 28, Washington faced the Dallas Stars, and Ovechkin made his mark with a goal and an assist. The Capitals were positioned in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference after 47 games, sitting five points out of the playoff zone. Looking ahead, a meeting with the Montreal Canadiens loomed as a pivotal moment in shaping their standings and momentum for the stretch run.
During the regular season, the Russian winger appeared in 44 games, recording nine goals and 22 assists. His production reflected a sustained, all-around contribution to the Capitals, with playmaking and scoring helping to drive the team’s offensive rhythm while he continued to influence the game with leadership and veteran poise.
Ovechkin has long pursued Wayne Gretzky’s legendary goal-scoring record. With 831 career goals, he closed in on Gretzky’s total of 894, standing 63 goals behind the icon from Canada. The pursuit remained a defining narrative of his career, underscoring his enduring role as one of hockey’s most prolific scorers and a relentless competitor who has kept his sights on historical benchmarks for years.
That season also featured a note about the All-Star festivities involving Ovechkin. The veteran forward did not participate in the All-Star events that year, a decision that contrasted with his frequent presence in past exhibitions and reflected a period when he weighed other priorities alongside the league-wide celebration of the sport.