The Complex 7: Mike Green of the Washington Capitals

Celebrate the start of the NHL playoffs by reading our ice-breaking interview with the league's best young defenseman.

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A few months ago we opined that the NHL is better than the NBA; some called us crazy, others called us crazy, and a few of you even called us crazy. So be it. When it comes to unpopular opinions, we're the Bonecrusher of this shit: neva scared! Regardless, it's hard to deny that—and here we go with the unpopular opinions again—the NHL postseason is (at least in the beginning) far more exciting than the NBA postseason. The NBA has opening-round mismatches that, because of the league's drawn-out TV schedule, take forever to complete. Meanwhile, the NHL has loads of first-round upsets and the added promise of sudden-death overtime, maybe the single-most exciting thing about postseason hockey. With the NHL playoffs starting tonight, it's about time you figured out what channel Versus is on your box.

One of the best first-round series pits the Washington Capitals against the New York Rangers (Game 1, 7 p.m. tonight). Even casual fans know the Caps as Alexander Ovechkin's squad (and Wale's favorite team), but you should also know about DC's 23-year-old defensemanMike Green. In the regular season, Green netted 31 goals and scored in eight straight games, setting a new record for D-men. In our Complex 7 with the Calgary native, we find out his favorite vacation spots, Ovie's sense of style and what makes a hockey player cry...

#1: WHAT'S YOUR NUMBER ONE DEAL-BREAKER FOR A POTENTIAL GIRLFRIEND?

Mike Green says: It has to be bad breath. Hygiene is important to me and if a girl has bad breath then there is nothing she can do. Bad breath makes everything worse and if a girl has it, then I'm looking the other way.

#2: WHAT'S THE WORST WAY YOU'VE BROKEN UP WITH SOMEONE?

Mike Green says: It is not the way I wanted it to happen, but I had to do it over the phone. We were in different places and although I would have preferred to do it in person, it was just not possible at the time.

#3: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SNEAKER OF ALL TIME?

Mike Green says: DC Shoes, hands down. No question at all here. I have been wearing them ever since I was young and they are the most comfortable things I have ever put on my feet.

#4: IF YOU HAD A WEEK-LONG HOLIDAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Mike Green says: I would split the week in two and head to Montreal for a few days before jetting off to Miami and South Beach to finish the trip. Both are great cities and have a certain energy about them and they both have their own distinct culture. There is always something going on and the shopping, food and nightlife in both places is tough to beat. Both places are filled with beautiful women as well, so that is an added bonus.

mikegreenaction
Caps fans rock so much red they should cheer "Soo Woo!"

#5: WHAT HAS TO BE IN YOUR FRIDGE AT ALL TIMES?

Mike Green says: My fridge is always stocked with fresh fruit. I am constantly eating fruit all day. I don't have a favorite, but there is a wide assortment of fresh fruit in my fridge at all times.

#6: WHEN'S THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

Mike Green says: They had to re-break my nose when I was playing in Hershey in the AHL. The pain is so intense that you instinctively have tears. It is certainly something I don't want done again, but you never know with hockey.

#7: WHAT'S THE MOST EMBARRASSING PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU'VE EVER WORN?

Mike Green says: This is a tough one because I like my unique style, but it is probably an Alex Ovechkin T-shirt. There is no reason, just because it was Ovechkin.

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