Alexander Ovechkin reportedly being kept away from media right now
NHL Star Alex Ovechkin's friendship with Russian president Vladimir Putin is no secret. While Ovechkin has insisted in the past that he is not a political person, he started the social movement and website Putinteam.ru, which helped rally support for the Russian President. And, it appears because of that, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Washington Capitals are keeping Ovi out of the spotlight right now.
"Expecting Alex Ovechkin to be available to media in the coming days. He was requested this AM, but Caps want to keep the focus on tonight's game vs NYR," said reporter Samantha Pell.
"Ovechkin wants further time before speaking on Russia's attack on Ukraine. Ovechkin's wife, kids, mom + dad are in Russia."
It will be interesting to hear what Ovechkin has to say, as it's almost certain he'll be asked whether he supports Russia's military actions in Ukraine. TSN's Rick Westhead believes Ovechkin is getting help from the Capitals in how to respond.
"No doubt Washington Capitals are brainstorming w Alex Ovechkin on how to respond to Q's about Russia's invasion of Ukraine," he said.
ESPN's Greg Wyshynski believes it is 100 percent fair to question Ovechkin on his support for Putin.
Interestingly enough, the Caps face the Rangers Thursday night. While Ovechkin and Artermi Panarin have played together while representing Russia, they have very different views on its leader. Panarin has been adamant in his opposition to Putin and his regime.
While few people want to see hockey, or sports in general, mix with politics, it is almost impossible for it not to given the severity of the current situation.
| G | A | PTS | ||
| Mikko Rantanen | 1 | 3 | 4 | |
| Jake Debrusk | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
| Dylan Guenther | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
| Ivan Barbashev | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Jack Eichel | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Brock Nelson | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Valeri Nichushkin | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Clayton Keller | - | 3 | 3 | |
| Anthony Cirelli | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Jonathan Drouin | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Roman Josi | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Kirill Marchenko | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Kyle Palmieri | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Sebastian Aho | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Rasmus Dahlin | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Leon Draisaitl | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Matt Duchene | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Samuel Girard | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Claude Giroux | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Oliver Kylington | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Complete stats | ||||
| STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Jets | 21 | 17 | 4 | - | 34 | |
Wild | 20 | 13 | 3 | 4 | 30 | |
Devils | 23 | 14 | 7 | 2 | 30 | |
Hurricanes | 20 | 14 | 5 | 1 | 29 | |
Golden Knights | 21 | 13 | 6 | 2 | 28 | |
Capitals | 20 | 13 | 6 | 1 | 27 | |
Flames | 21 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 27 | |
Stars | 19 | 13 | 6 | - | 26 | |
Maple Leafs | 20 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 26 | |
Rangers | 19 | 12 | 6 | 1 | 25 | |
| Conference | Cumulative | ||||||