It all stemmed from the Capitals' pregame soccer routine.

For the last few years, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has famously worn a team-issued hoodie with a bold statement on the back: "Well, I'm not Michael Jordan." And finally, he's revealed the story behind it.

The 38-year-old told Jackie Redmond in an NHL on TNT interview before Wednesday's game against the New Jersey Devils that the hoodie was courtesy of former teammate Devante Smith-Pelly after the two were playing soccer with the team before warmups.

"Somebody hit the ball too high and I can't jump, so I said like, 'Well, I'm not Michael Jordan,'" Ovechkin said.

DSP, who was a pivotal part of the 2017-18 squad that hoisted the Stanley Cup, then gifted Ovechkin the custom hoodie.

Ovechkin has said that his favorite athlete is Michael Jordan, and the Russian will take to watching highlights of the former NBA star.