The Day the Gr8 Arrived in D.C.

Five years ago today the Washington Capitals selected Alexander Ovechkin with the first overall pick in the 2004 Entry Draft in Raleigh. Draftgeeks at the time knew well that hockey in Washington would be forever changed -- but as much as it has in these past five years, well, probably not.It's worth taking a perusal back at the scouting sentiment of Ovi for that fortuitous moment. This is what Red Line Report had to say about the Moscow dynamo:Alexandre Ovechkin -- Dynamo     LW     Simply the best player on the planet not already playing in the NHL. Just call him Kovalchuk, only with a great work ethic and a much better attitude. Terrific all-around player is as complete a prospect as we've seen in last 10 years. Explosive and dynamic every shift, and just has so many ways to beat you. Tremendous talent level is equalled only by his character and maturity. Intimidating speed forces defenders to back in off blue line, allowing him to ...