Capitals' Alex Ovechkin defends hit on Drouin: 'It's hockey... not a ballet'

    During the second period of the Montreal Canadiens’ 5-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Friday, Alexander Ovechkin laid a monstrous hit on Habs forward Jonathan Drouin.

    Drouin did leave the game after the collision but returned to finish the contest before Montreal placed the 24-year-old on injured reserve Saturday.

    After the match was over, Ovechkin was asked about the thunderous check, saying that there was nothing wrong with it.

    “It’s hockey, you know, it’s not a ballet.”

    It’s hard to argue with Ovi’s response. They do call it the National Hockey League for a reason.

    The Canadiens, who were none too pleased with Ovechkin’s actions, erupted for four second-period goals after the check. Canadiens centre Phillip Danault commented about the collision after the game, saying it brought some energy to the squad.

    Ovechkin’s hit on Drouin seemed to be a legal open-ice hit that likely won’t receive any further discipline from the league.

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    Alexander Ovechkin doesn't see any issues with the hit he delivered to Jonathan Drouin. (Getty Images)

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