Sports

NHL All-Star Game To Go On Without Games Biggest Star

January 2, 2019 / 2:42 PM EST / CBS Detroit

click to expand

WASHINGTON (AP) — The 2019 NHL All-Star Game will happen, just without the games biggest All-Star.

Alex Ovechkin will skip the All-Star Weekend in San Jose to get some extra rest and serve an automatic one-game suspension.

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 19: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals shoots against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at Capital One Arena on December 19, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

The Washington Capitals announced Ovechkin's decision Wednesday. The team says the NHL's leading goal-scorer wants to take advantage of the adjoining bye week to prepare for the second half of the season.

"My body needs a rest," Ovechkin said after practice on Wednesday. The 33-year-old has played in all 33 games this season and leads the Capitals with 45 points.

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 16: Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals sits with his wife Anastasia Shubskaya as the Los Angeles Lakers play the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on December 16, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Washington's final game before the All-Star break is Jan. 23 at Toronto. The All-Star game is Jan. 26, and the Capitals don't play again until Feb. 1 against Calgary.

Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed Ovechkin must miss either the game before or after the All-Star break. The NHL recently instituted an automatic one-game suspension for players who chose not to participate in All-Star Weekend, except in cases of injury.

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 15: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals looks on against the Buffalo Sabres during the second period at Capital One Arena on December 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Fans voted Ovechkin, the reigning playoff MVP, as the captain of the Metropolitan Division All-Star team. It's not clear who would take over the spot, though the NHL's hockey operations department chooses the remaining All-Stars.

Full All-Star rosters will be released Wednesday night.