Fred Bowen's "The Score" column,
January 25, 2008, Washington Post

Caps' AO Is A-OK

Washington hockey fans got some big news recently. The Capitals signed Alex Ovechkin to a 13-year contract. That means the high-scoring left wing probably will play for the Caps until 2021.

I think the team made a great move by signing the man hockey fans call AO. First, Ovechkin is a terrific player. He scored 52 goals in the 2005-06 season, his rookie year. He dropped off a bit last season, scoring 46 goals, but is on pace to score more than 60 this season.

In sports such as hockey, soccer and lacrosse, it's important for a team to have a big scorer. You can talk all you want about passing, defense and teamwork, but if you don't have players who can put the ball or puck in the net, it's tough to win. Ovechkin is a stone-cold scorer.

Not only that, he's a big, strong skater (6 feet 2, 217 pounds) who doesn't shy away from contact. And he's a good passer: He has almost as many assists as goals.

I don't want to jinx him, but Ovechkin reminds me of Bobby Hull, the great left wing who scored more than 600 goals in 16 National Hockey League seasons. Hull was called the Golden Jet because of his blazing speed and blond hair. He led the league seven seasons in goals scored. If Ovechkin stays healthy, he might surpass Hull's totals.

Another great thing for the Caps is that Ovechkin is just 22. He will be 35 at the end of the contract. Lots of hockey players are still very good at that age.

Finally, Ovechkin is a sports star who doesn't act like a big shot. He seems to work hard, get along with his teammates and coaches, and love to play hockey. He's the kind of player any team would want.

Ovechkin's new contract isn't the only good news lately for the Capitals. The team is winning. Entering last night's game, Washington had a record of 16 wins and 12 losses since Bruce Boudreau, a longtime minor league coach, took over as head coach. And after winning seven of their first 10 games this month, the Capitals are contending for the Southeast Division title and a spot in the playoffs.

If the Capitals make the playoffs, Ovechkin will be leading the way.

Fred Bowen writes KidsPost's sports opinion column and is an author of sports novels for kids.

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