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Alex Ovechkin big winner again at glitzy Vegas NHL awards – Metro US

Alex Ovechkin big winner again at glitzy Vegas NHL awards

LAS VEGAS – Even though the NHL awards changed venues, the same man remained in the spotlight.

Alex Ovechkin captured the two most prestigious awards in hockey for the second straight season on Thursday, winning the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP and the Lester B. Pearson Award as the players’ choice for the most outstanding player.

It was only fitting that the league’s gliztiest player be the centre of attention during a jazzed-up awards night.

Ovechkin came ready for the occasion, walking the red carpet at the Palms with a Vegas showgirl on each arm. He also boasted of winning US$500 while playing blackjack before the show got started.

“I have chips in my room in the safe,” said Ovechkin. “Losing is not for me.”

He hasn’t done much of that during a splendid NHL career. The Washington Capitals sniper also took home another Rocket Richard Trophy for leading the league with 56 goals.

Interestingly, Capitals teammate Sergei Fedorov presented him with the Hart Trophy. It was only fitting that the first Russian to win the league’s MVP award give it away on a night where three of his countrymen were nominated, with Ovechkin beating out Evgeni Malkin and Pavel Datsyuk.

The international flavour prompted award presenter Glenn Anderson to quip that he thought ended up in the wrong place – “down the road at the Russian awards.”

He can’t be blamed for being a bit disoriented. The NHL awards show moved to Las Vegas and had more of a big-time feel than in years past when it was held in Toronto.

Everyone from singers Michael Buble and Robin Thicke to film producer Jerry Bruckheimer made appearances on stage at the Pearl Concert Hall along with several former NHL greats.

There was also a parade of Boston Bruins to the podium.

Three members of that franchise took home major honours: Zdeno Chara (Norris Trophy), Tim Thomas (Vezina Trophy) and Claude Julien (Jack Adams Award).

The most emotional of them all was Thomas, a 35-year-old journeyman goaltender who was playing in Finland just four years ago. He got a little choked up during his acceptance speech and joked afterwards that he was a “sissy.”

“I never really allowed myself to believe that I might win,” said Thomas. “It seemed like such a far away dream when you look at the names on the Vezina Trophy. …

“I’ve been more worried about getting my name on a roster.”

Even though Datsyuk was a runner-up to Ovechkin for the Hart and Pearson, he managed to win both the Selke and Lady Byng trophies for the second straight year. The Detroit Red Wings centre is arguably the best two-way player in the game right now.

It was his second straight Selke for top defensive player and the fourth time in a row he’s won the Lady Byng as the game’s most gentlemanly.

Another big winner was Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Steve Mason, who took home the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year. He recently turned 21 and has been soaking up the Vegas experience.

“Thank you – time to celebrate,” said Mason.

Even though Ovechkin had another great season, this one was more trying than others. He missed two games in October so that he could return to Russia to visit his ailing grandfather Nikolay Kabayev, who later died.

That was on his mind.

“This year was especially hard,” said Ovechkin. “This award I give it to him and all my family.”