If it weren’t for hockey video games, I doubt I’d even be aware of the continued existence of the NHL. I used to be a fan, but ever since the work stoppage back in 2004, I’ve basically tuned the sport out completely. That being said, being a sports fan in general, there are certain names that I can’t help but hearing about, and one of them just got named the cover athlete for 2K Sports’ NHL 2K10; Alexander Ovechkin.

Ovechkin, a left winger for the Washington Capitals, and has appeared on hockey covers twice before; on every version of NHL 07, and on the Russian release of NHL 09.  He’s also one of the league’s elite offensive players, and the 2009 league leader in goals scored, so his selection shouldn’t be too much of a surprise.  It is a little strange, however, that the two big stars of the Stanley Cup-winning Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, won’t be seen on store shelves.  EA has chosen to instead go with the Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane.  I’d rip them for their decision, but I don’t know who that is.

In closing; that Ovechkin’s one handsome devil, ain’t he?