20 hockey smiles that prove teeth are overrated

12. Alex Ovechkin

Alex Ovechkin is perhaps the greatest scorer the game has ever seen. To go along with his elite scoring ability, he’s also ridiculously fun to watch. Part of what makes him so likeable is that goofy-looking smile.

There is something so harmless-looking about Ovechkin’s smile and jokey attitude that lulls players into a false sense of security that he won’t lay the boom on someone with their head down. Ovechkin is a strong, powerful player who scores goals better than any player in history, all masked by a silly grin.

After losing his tooth in a 2007 game vs the Atlanta Thrashers (known for having the most devoted 16 hockey fans in all of Georgia), Ovechkin seemed to enjoy his new look. He took every chance he got to show off his grin by smiling on the Jumbotron when the cameras were on him. He even told reporters afterwards that he liked the look and that “Girls think it’s hot.” Would we expect any other answer from Ovi?

This guy could torch your team with a hat trick, but you wouldn’t be able to keep a straight face through his postgame interview. The most lovable smile on this list belongs to Ovi.