It's an hour after his team's final regular-season game ends in victory, clinching his first NHL playoff berth, and Alex Ovechkin grabs one of the red T-shirts commemorating the Washington Capitals' surprising Southeast Division title.
He pulls it over his shaggy mop of black hair. Over the scruffy beard teammates say makes him look like one of those Geico cavemen. Over his oft-broken nose. Over his dress shirt and striped tie. He puts on a suit jacket, pleased by his look, then sets about cajoling other players to don the Ts, too.
A giddy Ovechkin sees Capitals owner Ted Leonsis in the locker room. They throw their arms around each other in a sweet embrace.
"Nobody believed," the US$124-million employee whispers to the boss. "Nobody."
It has been quite a transformation.
TSN : NHL - Canada's Sports Leader
Ovechkin ready for playoff debut
Ovechkin ready for playoff debut 
