Despite Suspension Ovi Still All-Star Eligible

On Monday, Alex Ovechkin was handed a three-game suspension without pay for his hit on Penguins’ defenseman Zbynek Michalek, a hit that the NHL labeled “reckless.” In a video posted on the league site, NHL’s vice president of player safety, Brendan Shanahan, explained the league’s position. “He launches himself to deliver the hit on Michalek. This is a violation of the charging rule,” Shanahan said. “Although Michalek’s shoulder might be the initial point of contact for this hit, the act of launching causes contact to Michalek’s head.” If you missed it, here's the hit that got Ovi the three-game suspension: The ban will force Ovi to miss Tuesday’s home game against the Bruins as well as road games at Tampa Bay and Florida after the All-Star break. According to the Post, it will cost him $154,677.75 in fines. It may not, however, cost him his appearance at this weekend’s NHL All-Star Game in Ottawa. W...