Ovechkin Revisits Mirrored Visor Controversy, Brodeur Complaint In ‘GR8TNESS’

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin was front and center before the 2023 NHL All-Star Game as ESPN's "GR8TNESS" documentary aired on ABC to highlight his historic career and chase of Wayne Gretzky. One subject that was brought up early on was his flashy style, which included his iconic yellow laces and, back in his early days, the mirrored visor which has since been banned from the league.

And on Saturday, Ovechkin offered some perspective on the look that raised controversy back in the late 2000s, as Martin Brodeur and other goaltenders complained to commissioner Gary Bettman that Ovechkin's visor gave him an unfair advantage since they couldn't see where he was looking.

"Brodeur start crying to the league, 'I can't see his eyes,'" Ovechkin told Weekes. "What are you talking about?"

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Ovechkin explained that the league then told him he could no longer wear a mirrored visor, and they were removed from the league. The star winger then switched to a regular tinted visor.

"The league I said I can't wear visor. It's you [goalies] always crying," Ovechkin continued. "Then Gary [Bettman] of course, Ovechkin again."

Ovechkin's switch in visors didn't appear to change anything with regard to his scoring ability. He continued his historic climb and now sits at 812 career goals, just 83 shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record.

Still, the 37-year-old said that if the mirrored visors were brought back, he would "love to" wear one.

"Bring them back, Gary," he joked.

Ovechkin's "GR8TNESS" documentary aired on ABC on Saturday and will be available on ESPN+.