Ovechkin downplays big hit on Drouin: 'It's hockey, it's not a ballet'

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin doesn't think there was anything egregious about his heavy hit on Montreal Canadiens forward Jonathan Drouin.

"It's hockey, it's not a ballet," Ovechkin told reporters, including The Athletic's Tarik El-Bashir, postgame Friday.

Ovechkin crunched Drouin with a massive bodycheck early in the second period of Montreal's 5-2 win.

"Like I said, it's a hockey play," Ovechkin added. "He didn't see me. It's a clear hit. Nothing to say."

Canadiens center Phillip Danault said Ovechkin's hit "woke us up," according to The Associated Press' Stephen Whyno.

Danault opened the scoring about two minutes after the check, and Montreal added three more goals to take a 4-0 lead before the end of the frame.

Drouin left the game but returned and played six shifts in the third period.

Ovechkin wasn't assessed a penalty on the play.