ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Alex Ovechkin is skipping the NHL All-Star game, announcing that decision a day after getting a three-game suspension from the league for a hit on an opponent.
The Washington Capitals’ captain is a two-time league MVP.
He was suspended for launching himself to hit Pittsburgh defenseman Zbynek Michalek during Washington’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Penguins on Sunday. No penalty was assessed on the play.
Ovechkin had a goal and two assists in the game for Washington, which trails Florida by one point in the Southeast Division. He will eligible to return on Feb. 4 against Montreal.
Under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Ovechkin will forfeit more than $150,000.
