A thousand points of light: Alex Ovechkin's enthusiasm for the game hasn't waned

— -- WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The man who recorded his 1,000th point Wednesday, the man who has been the catalyst for the growth of hockey in the American capital and far beyond throughout an 11-year career, has on this day given new meaning to the word casual.

Gray sweatpants, T-shirt and a gray hoodie might explain the lack of any kind of mob scene as I head to lunch with Alex Ovechkin near the Washington Capitals' practice facility.

It's not until near the end of lunch that there's a moment in this busy Italian restaurant that betrays the presence of the casually attired sports icon.

"Sick goal last night," the waiter quietly offers as the bill is paid, a reference to Ovechkin's trademark one-timer that had secured a win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.