Capitals’ Ovechkin Among NHL All-Star Fan Vote Leaders

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin appears likely headed to Las Vegas for the 2022 NHL All-Star Game in February. And not only that, if he holds onto this lead, he seems like he’ll be wearing the “C” for the Metropolitan Division to boot.

The Russian is among the current leaders in the NHL All-Star fan voting, gathering 29 percent of the vote so far. He ranks first among all Metro players, with Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby ranking second with 13.4 percent.

After Crosby are Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho (6.8 percent), New York Rangers blueliner Adam Fox (5.5 percent) and Rangers forwards Artemi Panarin (5.1 percent) and Chris Kreider (3.8 percent).

Ovechkin ranks second in goals this season (22) and third in points (47) through 31 games this season. He is on pace for a career year in assists and continues to prove his critics wrong at age 36.

“The answer, it’s… I didn’t pay attention to all those bull**** talk,” Ovechkin said of those summer critiques. “You know, it’s good for them. Good for me. Whatever.”

READ MORE ON WHN: Ovechkin Responds To Offseason Critics As He Defies Expectations

Once the captains are selected, NHL Hockey Operations will reveal the rest of the rosters for each division.

John Carlson, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Tom Wilson are the other Capitals also listed on the ballot for the captaincy. Voting will continue through Jan. 8. Fans can vote here and need to sign in or create a free NHL account to do so.

The NHL All-Star festivities in Las Vegas kick off on Feb. 4 and go until Feb. 5.