from Scott Burnside of ESPN,

The man who will record his 1,000th point anytime now, the man who has been the catalyst for the growth of hockey in the American capital and far beyond throughout an 11-year career, has on this day given new meaning to the word casual.

Gray sweatpants, T-shirt and a gray hoodie might explain the lack of any kind of mob scene as I head to lunch with Alex Ovechkin near the Washington Capitals' practice facility.

It's not until near the end of lunch that there's a moment in this busy Italian restaurant that betrays the presence of the casually attired sports icon.

"Sick goal last night," the waiter quietly offers as the bill is paid, a reference to Ovechkin's trademark one-timer that had secured a win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Funny how over the course of 11 years the descriptions of Ovechkin have rarely changed. His exuberance, his zest for life, his refusal to let small things -- like not knowing a lick of English in the early days -- impede his being at the heart of, well, everything, have remained virtually constant. And if you want to know what Ovechkin has meant to this city, this franchise and this game, his enthusiasm is as good a place as any to start. And to finish.

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