The first time Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis spent meaningful time with Alex Ovechkin was after the 2004-05 NHL lockout. Ovechkin, who had been drafted No. 1 overall by the Caps in 2004, arrived at Leonsis' house to spend a day with the family.
Leonsis' wife, Lynn, made lunch. Leonsis was impressed that the Russian superstar, then just 20, helped pick up dishes afterward and brought them to the kitchen.
Afterwards, they played basketball with Leonsis' kids and a few friends. "He was an unbelievable basketball player," said Leonsis. (Ovechkin's mom, Tatyana, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in basketball).