Making a line change is one of the most routine parts of hockey, but once in a great while hockey fans are treated to pure hilarity when a change goes wrong. Normally, Player A hops over the boards and Player B skates to the door and rejoins his team on the bench. Sometimes, while trying to avoid a too many men on the ice penalty, there’s a sense of urgency which can lead to some great moments.
Alex Ovechkin was skating over to Washington’s bench to get off the ice when he realized his team could be called for too many men unless he hurried. That led to a leap over the boards and a great moment as Ovechkin tumbled in front of his teammates.
What’s better, Ovechkin disappearing behind the wall or goaltender Braden Holtby cracking up at the scene unfolding in front of him? As funny as this moment is, it’s also worth noting how dangerous this could have been. Ovechkin’s skates swung up above him as he fell and he could have easily caught a teammate. Thankfully, no one was injured and we can all laugh at Ovechkin’s expense.
Considering how superhuman Ovechkin normally looks on the ice at times, it’s nice of him to remind all beer league hockey players out there that even the best can make the easy part of hockey look hard.
