Alexander the Great skates into history

Russia's Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals earned his sixth selection to the National Hockey League's first All-Star team when voting was announced Wednesday.

In an historic twist, Ovechkin, who won his third Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player, was also named the second-team All-Star at left wing.

Ovechkin switched to right wing this season, having been picked as a left winger in his previous five selections, and becomes only the second player to make the team at multiple positions.

Hall of Famer Mark Messier was a first team All-Star at left wing (1980-81, 1981-82) and twice at center (1989-90, 1991-92).

Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby was named as the first-team center for a second time after winning the Ted Lindsay Award for most valuable player, as voted on by his peers.

First All-Star selections: goaltender: Sergei Bobrovsky (Columbus Blue Jackets); defensemen: P.K. Subban (Montreal Canadiens) and Ryan Suter (Minnesota Wild); right wing: Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals); center: Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins); left wing: Chris Kunitz (Pittsburgh Penguins).

Voting for the teams is done by members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.

(China Daily 07/05/2013 page23)