NHL-Rejuvenated Ovechkin nets hat-trick to lead NHL

Feb 12 (The Sports Xchange) - Alex Ovechkin has validated his decision to rest during the All Star Break and returned on a tear that has taken the Washington Capitals forward to the top of the goal-scoring race. There was a whisper of criticism late last month when the Russian announced he would not be playing in the All Star Game because of a lower-body injury. Some believed the three-time Hart Trophy winner was conveniently skipping out on his annual duties as one of the faces of the league. It is hard to argue with the results, however, as Ovechkin has returned to the ice with a vengeance, scoring in all but one of his post break games. He delivered a hat-trick on Thursday in a 4-3 victory over Minnesota that gave him an NHL-leading 34 goals. The outburst was Ovechkin's first three-goal game since 2013. "It's a good feeling," he told reporters. "My parents actually called me (probably a couple weeks ago) and said, 'It's time for you to get a hat trick'." It may also be time for Ovechkin to break through and achieve his long awaited post-season success. The 30-year-old has never reached the Eastern Conference finals, and his absence from All Star festivities may have also revealed his commitment to changing that. The Capitals (40-9-4) have the top mark in the league and will get another chance to end their playoff shortcomings - from the looks of things - with a rejuvenated Ovechkin. (Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles, editing by Nick Mulvenney)