Capitals coach Boudreau defends Ovechkin

Mar 1, 2009 - 11:52 PM WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- Prior to Sunday's 6-2 loss to the Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau defended Alex Ovechkin in the wake of critical comments made the previous night by outspoken Canadian hockey commentator Don Cherry.

During his weekly "Coach's Corner" segment on "Hockey Night in Canada," Cherry said Ovechkin is "getting a free ride" for his exuberant goal celebrations.

When he scores, Ovechkin often responds with fist pumps along with an enthusiastic leap into the glass.

"I'm going to tell you about this guy - he's got a free ride," said Cherry, who never has hidden his disdain for non-North American players. "He runs at guys, does this stuff.

"I am predicting somebody's going to get him. And somebody's going to get him good. There's somebody out there - some big defenseman is going to be sitting in the weeds. As (Ovechkin) cuts across center ice, somebody's going to cut him in half."

While calling the Canadian-icon Cherry a friend, Boudreau took umbrage with the comments.

"As much as I really like the guy, I thought he was wrong," Boudreau said. "He doesn't know Alex like we know Alex."

Following Sunday's 6-2 loss to the Panthers, Ovechkin laughed off Cherry's comments, calling him an "old guy."

"What can I say?" Ovechkin said. "He's a funny guy, and an old guy. He likes old-fashioned hockey, so he probably doesn't like my celebration. He can say whatever he wants. I don't care about him."

Hockey purists have been bothered by Ovechkin's antics, although no one has criticized him to the extend that Cherry did Saturday night.

In a 5-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on February 22, Ovechkin nearly got into a scrap with rival Sidney Crosby after the two players bumped into each other along the boards near the end of the second period.

Crosby also spoke of his dislike for Ovechkin's theatrics.

"I don't like it personally," Crosby said following that game. "But there's nothing you can do."

On Saturday, Cherry compared Ovechkin to a soccer player.

"Now watch Ovechkin," Cherry said. "Does he not remind you of a soccer player? And that's what Crosby was talking about."