While the finger is being pointed at how the game has changed or his love of partying, the Washington Post is now blaming his mom.

The Post reports: “That’s his biggest problem — his mom She did what she did for Alex. She played a huge part in his growth, in his career. But it went too far. I understand it’s family, I understand they’re very close — it’s not that. The question is: Is he ever going to grow up? I’m not only talking about hockey. She’s in his life in many other areas — relationships with girls, with friends, with everyone.”

During last year’s HBO 24/7 Road To The Winter Classic, hockey fans saw that Ovechkin’s mom even lived with him, contrary to his womanizing reputation. It was actually Ovechkin’s mom who negotiated his 13-year $124 million contract.

For $9.5 million a season, Ovechkin’s 29 goals is an underachievement and disapointment. Ovie’s play is bad for the league too. In 2006, Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby were the most hyped NHL rookies since Wayne Gretzky. The NHL capitalized on the rookie rivalry, as Ovechkin led in goals and points. The following year, Crosby won the  Hart Memorial Trophy, Lester B. Pearson Award and Art Ross trophies.What a difference a few years make, along with Ovechkin’s down fall, Crosby has played just 8 games since January 2011, suffering from concussion like symptoms.

Proof that stupid is an international language… NHL star Alexander Ovechkin stars in a Russians rap video. Enjoy!

Alexander Ovechkin scored his 400th goal on Saturday in overtime against the Buffalo Sabers. In the celebratory locker room photo, Ovie revealed that even if you are one of the best hockey players in the game, you can still full victim to the high calorie in-take of Russian vodka.

Hockey players have a stigma as the roughest and toughest athletes, but the behind the scenes look at the Washington Capitals in HBO’s miniseries Road To The Winter Classic is proving otherwise. In the newest episode, tattooed defensman Mike Green is seen riding an orange scooter on the mean streets of Pittsburgh, and Alexander Ovechkin, who may just be the game’s best player still lives with his Russian parents… one point for Sidney Crosby, who at least lives with Mario Leimieux.

HBO 24/7 Penguins Capitals Ep. 2: Ovechkin at Home from Greg Wyshynski on Vimeo.

Hall-of-famer Jermey Roenick will also be joining Ovechkin and Crosby, to give away Stanley Cup Finals tickets.

I hope the winner is a hockey fan because let’s face it there aren’t many of us out there!

The NHL tried to leverage the metrosexual readership of Vanity Fair to expand their fanbase for a sport where the mullet is acceptable and fighting is encouraged. Despite the NHL’s effort, Vanity Fair only printed a 290-word preice withouth any quotes form either athlete. But let’s face it, Vanity Fair is way classier than anything Ovechkin would have said.

This year’s Winter Classic is at Pittsburgh Steeler’s Heinz Field, and while the Capitals don’t have a particularly strong fan base, the main reason for this match up is because of the Ovechkin Crosby rivalry.

The two stars are polar opposite, not only in their playing style but Ovechkin loves his Russian ladies… while Crosby still lives at the home of Penguins owner Mario Lemuiex.

In a Vanity Fair online exclusive interview, Crosby touches on their rivalry saying, “It always feels like there’s a bit more there just because of the emotion, because of the intensity. I guess that’s what makes rivalries—when it seems like there’s a little bit extra there…He’s got speed; he’s big; he’s physical. He can score from pretty much anywhere.”

Another noteworthy comment from Crosby is that his favorite player is Steve Yzerman. After being a fan of Crosby from when he was 13 (creepy I know), I had to abruptly end my Crosby fanhood when he cheated me out of seeing the Red Wings win two Stanley Cups in person (2008′s Game 5 and 2009′s Game 7). Finding out Crosby is a fan of Yzerman, only the greatest player ever, may have just reignited the flame.

To read Crosby’s entire transcript click here!

Alexander Ovechkin plans to release a rap duet with Eminem, but the Russian hockey star may have to work on his rhythm. Over the weekend, Ovechkin was partying at Club Fur in DC with DJ Tiesto.  Ovechkin is known for his love of the club and once even spent $8,000 at a strip club. But before the season started, Ove told the DC media his days as a club head were over, because hockey is serous business. The NHL is barley into its first month of the season and is back to awkwardly dancing in DJ booths.

“This would be a big honor for me as I am a real fan of Eminem,” said the Washington Capitals captain. “I always have his CDs in my car. I will be happy just to meet him. By the way, the film ’8 Mile’ with Eminem starring is simply awesome.”

Ovechkin’s announcement of a possible collaboration with Eminem comes on the heels of JJ Redick announcing his rap album.

Can someone please tell Ovechkin that meeting Eminem is a lot different than recording a song with him.

Related links:

http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2010/09/28/ovechkin-eminem-are-teaming-up-to-make-hip-hop-track/?ncid=txtlnkusspor00000002&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fsi_hockey+%28SI.com+-+Hockey%29

http://blogs.suntimes.com/sportsprose/2010/06/kris_versteegs_mark_madsen_mom.html