Las Vegas Weekly

June 19, 2009 · 12:21 PM

Star Surveillance: NHL players dine and party in Las Vegas ahead of awards

By Robin Leach

Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals wins the Lester B. Pearson Award, the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Maurice Richard Trophy at the 2009 NHL Awards in the Palms.

Photo: Las Vegas News Bureau

NHL stars have popped up all over town: Philadelphia Flyers captain Mike Richards had dinner at Lavo in the Palazzo with team owner Peter Luukko. NHL presenter and Entourage star Kevin Connolly was nearby enjoying Lavo’s popular menu item the Kobe meatball. General Hospital actress Kristen Storms wrapped up her Lavo meal with the delectable Oreo Zeppole. Up in Lavo’s nightclub, they all had adjoining tables for NHL star Jeremy Roenick’s fashion show of his new line Muze. The San Jose Sharks forward greeted fans, and a slew of fellow ice mates including Vancouver Canucks’ Mats Sundin and Edmonton Oilers’ Sheldon Souray joined the fun, but 23-year-old superstar Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals arrived underdressed wearing flip flops and was almost turned away because of the nightclub attire rule. The velvet rope security staff recognized him and made an exception. Maybe because last year Alex signed the most lucrative contract in NHL history at $124 million for 13 years. Alex danced on the banquettes to the sounds of DJ Crooked and visited various tables of hockey players throughout the club. NHL player Glen Anderson dined at First Food & Bar at the Palazzo. And NHL legend Mark Messier and Detroit Red Wings star Nicklas Lindstrom had early breakfasts in Simon at separate tables.

Photo: TVT

Entourage star and 2009 NHL Awards presenter Kevin Connolly.

Photo: Courtesy

Penn Jillette and Lisa Lampanelli at The Rio.

Photo: Brian Steffy

Eddie Griffin, right, and a friend at Blush.

Photo: Brian Steffy

NASCAR driver Elliot Sadler at Blush.

Outside the NHL world, Lisa “The Queen of Mean” Lampanelli watched Penn & Teller’s headline magic show at The Rio and then visited with the duo backstage. She then joined Penn Jillette and his wife Emily at Buzzio’s in The Rio for dinner. The next day, Lisa had lunch at Kerry Simon’s restaurant in the Palms Place. … Rapper Xzibit was at N9NE Steakhouse inside the Palms wearing a bounty of bling: diamond necklaces, a diamond bracelet and a diamond-encrusted watch while feasting on rock shrimp, rib eye and a side of macaroni and cheese. … Upstairs at Nove Italiano, UFC fighter Keith Jardine enjoyed dinner with six friends. … Gossip Girl young heartthrob Chace Crawford ordered lobster rolls, mini burgers and mac and cheese on his first visit to First Food & Bar and told the staff and bartenders he would be back to make it his regular hangout. … Comedian Eddie Griffin was in the VIP section of Blush in the Wynn and popped multiple bottles of champagne as NASCAR driver Elliot Sadler enjoyed his own party.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter HERE.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter HERE.

Share This