Don Cherry’s criticisms of Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin have been a longstanding feature in the hockey world. The controversial former hockey player, coach, and commentator was well-known for ripping into “The Great 8”, from lambasting his performance on the ice to criticizing Ovi’s goal celebrations. However, in one interview in 2015, Cherry flipped the script and claimed that his harsh remarks were because of his admiration and respect for the Russian forward.
Don Cherry Claimed Alex Ovechkin Is One of His Favorite Players
According to rmnb.com, Cherry was effusive in praising Ovechkin during an interview with SovSport’s Pavel Lysenkov, which occurred on the sidelines of the 2015 Stanley Cup Finals. IN response to a question about the Washington Capitals’ elimination from the 2015 playoffs and when Ovechkin would finally win a Stanley Cup, Cherry replied:
“Many people started believing in Washington again this year, but they lost to the Rangers. You cannot just blame Ovi. If everybody on that team played like him – the Capitals would have won the Cup many times by now. It would have been a dynasty! Ovechkin is one of my favorite players. Did you know that?” Cherry said via rmnb.com.
When the interviewer brought up Cherry’s criticism of Ovechkin’s celebration when he scored his 50th goal, the latter replied:
“I criticize him because I love him.”
Disbelief about the controversial former NHL analyst’s feelings aside, his remarks about the Capitals seem as relevant in 2025 as they were a decade earlier. In an eerie parallel, the Capitals were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs in 2015 as well, losing in seven games to the New York Rangers.
This season, they lost their Eastern Conference Second Round series to the Carolina Hurricanes in five games, losing Game 5 3-1 on Thursday, May 15.
“We have a special group but obviously we have our chances. Maybe we don’t execute, maybe luck was not on our side because I don’t think we played bad hockey. I think we have lots of great chances to get the lead, but it’s tough,” Ovechkin said after the game.
Washington’s early exit came despite finishing on top of the Eastern Conference this season and becoming the first NHL team to secure a playoff spot. Ovechkin also had a stellar season in which he overtook Wayne Gretzky to become the NHL’s all-time leading goal-scorer.
The Capitals breezed past a young Montreal Canadiens side in Round 1 to clinch their first playoff series win since winning the Stanley Cup in 2018. However, their offense was outmatched against the Canes. The Capitals managed only seven goals in five games in the series.
