Alexander the Great

I really didn't care who won Tuesday's Game 7 between the Flyers and Caps. All I wanted was a good game and the teams gave us a mini-classic, becoming the 30th Game 7 in NHL history to go to overtime. The Flyers advanced on Joffrey Lupul's power-play goal 6:06 into OT. But a quick word about Washington's Alex Ovechkin.

Alexander the Great not only showed what he is made of on the ice in the playoffs, but he showed what he is made of off the ice as well. On the ice, Ovechkin was terrific in his first postseason series: four goals and five assists in seven games, including a hand in both Washington goals Tuesday with a goal and a helper.

Just as impressive was his behavior after the game, holding his head high and showing grace and class in congratulating the Flyers in the post-series handshake. (You know, "one of the great traditions is all of sports.'') Then as he skated off the ice, he stopped and applauded the fans. That's the kind of thing that makes this kid special.

The Caps' future is bright. Of the 20 goals they scored in the series against the Flyers, 18 were scored by players 24 or younger. And with Ovechkin already showing he has what it takes to lead on the ice and conduct himself the right way off the ice, I'm sure of one thing: the next time Ovechkin is in a Game 7, I will care who wins. I'll be pulling for Ovechkin.