PHILADELPHIA — When Russian players with a heavy dose of offensive skill enter the NHL, there’s an inclination to compare them to Alex Ovechkin. In the fall, when Ovechkin and the Washington ...

Cooley admired Crosby, but he grew up a Washington Capitals fan for a very specific reason: Alex Ovechkin. “That's the real one,” said Cooley, who's now playing for the Utah Hockey Club.

FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) shoots the puck during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Nov. 6, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick ...