WASHINGTON (AP/WMAL) – Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin has decided to skip the NHL’s All-Star Weekend for the second year in a row.

He told reporters Friday night, “It’s a hard decision, but I have to listen to my body. I have to get ready for my second half of the year. I have to be healthy and focus on the different things.”

Ovechkin will be suspended one game for skipping All-Star festivities.

His seven All-Star appearances trail only Chicago’s Patrick Kane’s eight for the most among active players.

The Capitals should have Norris Trophy front-running defenseman John Carlson as their All-Star representative in late January.

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