Alex Ovechkin Engages in Defense
 

There really is no better way to unwind than some pick-up hoops.

Not even a month ago, Alexander Ovechkin and the Capitals fell to rival Sidney Crosby and the Penguins in six games of the Eastern Conference semifinals – meaning that the three-time NHL MVP winner has now played 11 seasons without reaching the conference finals.

Understandably looking to blow off some steam, Ovechkin took to the basketball courts in his native Russia – and proved that he was capable of domination on both land and ice.

Playing in a charity game for children with cerebral palsy, Ovechkin showed no mercy on his foes, as shown in this highlight reel originally spotlighted by TSN:


Most American viewers might not be able to interpret the Russian announcing, but "buckets" is a universal language, and Ovechkin wasted no time communicating through that medium. His team went on to top a squad led by 13-year NBA veteran and 2004 All-Star Andrei Kirilenko by a score of 76-71.

Ovechkin comes by his hoops skills quite honestly. His mother, Tatyana, help the Soviet Union win two Olympic gold medals in basketball.

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