Alex Ovechkin recently participated in a conversation with Nikita Filatov and Andrey Arshavin where the topic of all-time favorite players arose. When asked to name his choice, the Washington Capitals star identified Mario Lemieux as his favorite player. This answer comes as a surprise to many fans who associate Ovechkin with his childhood affinity for the San Jose Sharks and his long-time appreciation for players like Owen Nolan.
Ovechkin and Lemieux crossed paths on the ice only once during the 2005-06 season, which served as Ovechkin's rookie campaign. Despite the limited time spent as opponents, the impact remained significant. Ovechkin has frequently expressed respect for the Penguins legend, even mentioning that Lemieux presented him with a game-used stick after they played each other.
While the two played for rival teams during their careers, the connection between them is rooted in mutual respect for the history of the sport. Ovechkin has often spoken about how he watched these icons while growing up in Russia. This latest comment further highlights the transition from a childhood fan to a legend who now stands in the same historical conversations as his own idols.
Ovechkin previously held Owen Nolan in high regard, even collecting memorabilia associated with the former Sharks forward. The pivot to naming Lemieux marks a shift in his public reflection on the game's greatest figures. It serves as a reminder of the stature of players who defined the NHL era that preceded his own rise to prominence.