Pray for Ovie

Ted Leonsis gets a special blessing

By CHRIS NEEDHAM

Updated 12:00 PM EST, Thu, Nov 5, 2009

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Caps Owner Ted Leonsis isn't taking any chances with Alex Ovechkin. He's relying on a higher power to help Ovie get through his injury.

Yesterday's game was the first the Caps played without Ovie. And, well, there's a reason he's won the Hart Trophy as the league's MVP in the last two years. The 3-2 loss to the Jersey Devils is the Caps' third loss in a row and sends them skidding into a home-and-home with the Florida Panthers.

What's a hockey-loving owner to do, but pray? And the good news is that when you're a bazillionaire, you've got some powerful friends.

Ted was at an event at Vice President Joe Biden's house last night and had the leader of the Orthodox Church, Bartholomew I, say a little prayer for Ovie's wounded wing.

"Lynn and I were honored to be able to spend quality time with VP Biden; his wife — Dr Biden; and the Biden family; I also was 'blessed' personally by Bartholomew and I mentioned Alex Ovechkin to him; and there was a special prayer offered in his name as well!"

If there's one thing that could soothe over tensions from the Great Schism -- at least in D.C. -- its being united by wishes for Ovie to come back soon!

Ted also has some discouraging news: the VP is a Flyers fan. Booo! Said Ted, "I was tempted to start the DC based chant about the Flyers — but bit my tongue. Not the right venue at all:-)."

We hope he had Bartholomew I cleanse him of those impure thoughts.