NHL All-Star Game 2012 Rosters: Alex Ovechkin Discusses Being Selected

Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin earned the fifth All-Star selection of his career Thursday, the NHL announced. He addressed the media to discuss the honor, and SB Nation partner CSN Washington has video:

"I'm crazy about Canada," the seven-year veteran said, referring to Ottawa, which will host the game. "Everyone's gonna be excited to go over there. It's gonna be really nice."

Ovechkin added that he's "kind-of retired" from the Skills Competition, which he won in 2009 after donning sunglasses a Canadian-flag adorned hat. He said it's "for young guys."

Ovechkin is one of two players representing the Capitals at the All-Star Game, joining defenseman Dennis Wideman. The two have combined for 28 goals and 36 assists during the 2011/12 season. Nicklas Backstrom, who leads the second-place Capitals with 29 assists and 42 points, did not earn All-Star honors.

For more on the Capitals, please visit Japers' Rink, SB Nation's Capitals blog.

NHL All-Star Game 2012: Alex Ovechkin Says Nicklas Backstrom Was Snubbed

The 2012 NHL All-Star Game rosters were announced on Thursday, and two Washington Capitals made the squad. Star Alex Ovechkin was a fairly obvious selection despite his early-season struggles, and defenseman Dennis Wideman was a surprise addition. However, center Nicklas Backstrom, the team's leading point producer, did not make the roster, which was a major surprise.

Ovechkin vouched for his teammate when asked. Via Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington:

"I think Backstrom 100 percent has to be there," said Ovechkin, who will match Peter Bondra’s club record with his fifth All-Star appearance.

It's possible that Backstrom asked not to play in the game because of his current injury status. He was placed on injured reserve after taking an elbow to the face against Calgary last week. Of course, if this were really the case, that would be an even bigger concern for the Capitals.

For more on the Capitals, visit Japers' Rink.

2012 NHL All-Star Game Rosters: Alex Ovechkin, Dennis Wideman Make It, Nicklas Backstrom Snubbed

Alex Ovechkin made his fifth All-Star team, while Dennis Wideman will make his All-Star debut, but Nicklas Backstrom won't join his Caps teammates in Ottawa for the game despite leading the team in points.

Alex Ovechkin Won't Be Bummed If He's Not An All-Star