In North America ice was smaller because in Russia we have big ice and this is small ice and it's a more physical game. Russia has more technicals and this has more speed and is a more physical game.
Alexander OvechkinI don't care what people say about me and what they think about me. I care about my team and I care about myself. Lots of people watch hockey, and I think everybody has different thinking.
Alexander OvechkinA championship team wins because it already has established players, while a talented team is just beginning to establish players.
Alexander OvechkinFighting is necessary in hockey. But if you fight, you have to choose your partner carefully. If you're an experienced player and you want to fight, you can't choose a player who has never fought in his life.
Alexander OvechkinRight now I'm scoring goals and I'm the king of the world. And a couple weeks ago I was almost in the toilet. So maybe you just forget to flush me.
Alexander OvechkinNHL is the best league in the world and I feel that I should play in the best league in the world. Money's not an issue and you cannot buy happiness.
Alexander OvechkinNobody ever tells me to give them a pass or anything. My job is to score goals, and if I don't shoot the puck, I can't score goals.
Alexander OvechkinI never look forward. I live for today. If you think about what's going to happen in a year, in two years, then you begin to plan. And plans never come true.
Alexander OvechkinI always look forward to playing in Toronto because it's such a historic city when it comes to hockey.
Alexander OvechkinI played basketball and soccer but they are very different games, obviously. However, playing any kind of sport always helps you develop physically.
Alexander OvechkinThere will always be critics. On one hand, criticism can be positive. On the other hand, criticism can be negative. But critics will always be watching the game. If you listen to everybody, you can go crazy. I have my own point of view, and I always try to keep it.
Alexander OvechkinIf you go to ice and you think, 'I must score' or 'I must get some points,' you won't score or get any points. You must go and play and don't think about it.
Alexander OvechkinHockey is my life and money is money. If you think about money, you stop playing hockey.
Alexander OvechkinSometimes I want to joke but my English isn't perfect. Sometimes people are wondering what I'm talking about.
Alexander OvechkinI wear tinted visor not to trick other players, but so hot girls in stands don't see me looking at them
Alexander OvechkinMy dream has come true. I play with the great players and on a great team. I'm smiling and happy and enjoying the time of my life.
Alexander OvechkinI'm looking forward to playing against Sidney Crosby as much as I am looking forward to playing against all of the other players in the NHL. And there is no rivalry.
Alexander OvechkinI think I must play how I can, that's all. And if I play my best I'll be happy. It doesn't matter because NHL is the best league in the world and we have great players so whoever the coach puts me with is the best. The coach knows best.
Alexander OvechkinTo win the Calder Trophy means a lot. It means a lot. I don't have words. I could tell you in Russian.
Alexander OvechkinI have a lot of respect for Ovechkin as a player. I like his enthusiasm. I know the kid has a zest for life and a joy for the game.
Alexander OvechkinWe're going to play our game and we're going to come back and we're going to play Montreal or Tampa.
Alexander OvechkinI saw the rebound and when the puck came to me, I said, oh my God, puck, I must shoot.
Alexander OvechkinWhen you come to a new team, new world, new people, you feel a little bit uncomfortable. But my teammates, they are tremendous guys.
Alexander OvechkinMy hair was too big. And my head is big, and my hair is big, so my helmet gets too small. So I have to make a haircut.
Alexander OvechkinOlympics are probably the most important thing for Russians than any other athletes in the whole world. Since I was a little kid and since everybody was a little kid, their dream was playing in Olympic Games, especially if we have a chance to represent our country in Sochi, it's unbelievable and it's going to be a great thing.
Alexander Ovechkin