Capitals' Ovechkin feels he owes it to fans to participate in All-Star Game

For many players, the NHL All-Star break is a chance to enjoy some fun in the sun or nurse an injury or two.

For Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin, making the trek to Columbus is simply part of his duties as one of the faces of the league.

Speaking to the throng of assembled media on Friday, Ovechkin opined that while he'd rather take some time off, he feels he owes it to fans to attend the annual showcase.

Ovechkin, who will be appearing in his sixth All-Star Game, remains one of the game's great talents and has a share of the ninth-highest point in the league (43) at the break.

With a bevy of star players set to miss the event due to various ailments, Ovechkin's approach is refreshing and decidedly unenigmatic.