Alexander Ovechkin, often referred to as "the Great Eight" or "Ovi", is a Russian professional ice hockey winger and captain of the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League.
He recently uploaded a photo of himself without his iconic beard and social media is abuzz with reaction.
— Alex Ovechkin (@ovi8) June 14, 2018
In the comments users immediately noticed that Ovechkin had put his t-shirt on backwards, and suggested that he did it for the sake of a photo for Gillette, and on the front side of the shirt there probably was another company’s logo.
"He just drank six days without a break," user @bohliever said.
"I would gladly see how you would say it to his face," @JenStanaszek said.
Other users noted that, after getting rid of his beard, Ovechkin looks younger.
— Jason Bourne (@JasonBo27089157) June 14, 2018
— Gillette (@Gillette) June 14, 2018
Meanwhile, some users did not like his new image, and suggested that Ovechkin now return to his previous look.
— Jacob @ PTPHockey (@PTPJacob) June 14, 2018
— Nolan Imsande (@NolanImsande) June 14, 2018
— hambino (@aec_hamilton) June 14, 2018
On June 8 Ovechkin won the Stanley Cup for the first time in his career. In the finals the Washington Capitals defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in a best of seven series winning the first title in the organization’s history.
Ovechkin was recognized as the most valuable player of the Stanley Cup finals. Following the victory, the Russian celebrated the triumph for several days with his teammates.
Hockey players have a tradition of not shaving during major tournaments. In the NHL, this tradition extends to the playoffs.
