“An idiot jumping around”: Alex Ovechkin’s epic response to Don Cherry’s criticism resurfaces as he nears Gretzky’s goal record

Alex Ovechkin has spent nearly two decades proving doubters wrong, electrifying the NHL, and redefining goal-scoring excellence. Now, with just a few goals standing between him and Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record, the hockey world is looking back at one of the most memorable moments of his career—his legendary response to Don Cherry’s criticism.Throughout his career, Alex Ovechkin has been known not just for his jaw-dropping goals but also for his passionate celebrations. However, not everyone appreciated his high-energy style. Veteran hockey analyst Don Cherry was one of his harshest critics, famously calling him out for being too flamboyant.“Acting like an idiot jumping around. I tried to tell him don’t do it. I’m gonna tell you what this guy—he’s got a free ride. He runs, a guy, he does this stuff, I am predicting someone’s going to get him and somebody’s going to get him good,” Cherry remarked, expressing his disapproval of Ovechkin’s exuberance.Alex Ovechkin, never one to back down, delivered a response that has since become iconic. When asked about Cherry’s comments, he mocked the analyst’s old-school mentality by imitating a robot.“Old people, you know like… They’re like when people show some energy, some emotions… So they’re like robots,” Ovechkin said. “You can go like this. You have to skate like this… No celebration when you score goal. Thank you, Don.”His sarcastic impression of a rigid, emotionless player went viral, perfectly capturing the generational divide in hockey philosophy. While Cherry preferred the reserved, traditional approach, Ovechkin represented a new era—one that embraced emotion, entertainment, and individuality.Also Read: “Nepotism at its finest!”: Colorado Avalanche face nepotism accusations after signing Taylor Makar to entry-level contractFast forward to today, and Ovechkin’s approach hasn’t changed. His fire, energy, and electrifying presence on the ice continue to make him a fan favorite. As he edges closer to breaking Gretzky’s 894-goal record, one thing is clear—his celebrations aren’t stopping anytime soon. And if history has taught us anything, betting against ‘The Russian Machine’ is a losing game.