ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — For hockey fans, Alex Ovechkin will be the face of Russia at next month’s Winter Olympics.
He has been called the greatest player in his sport at various times in his career, and has three Most Valuable Player trophies from the NHL to help drive home the point.
He’s also looking to overcome the disappointment of four years ago, when Russia lost to Canada in the quarterfinals at Vancouver. He says he hopes the home-country pressure will be a strength for his team.
Ovechkin has shied away from talking politics, but he’s clearly not happy with some of the Russia-bashing leading up to the games.
Says Ovechkin: “I’m kind of the guy who supports my country. Whatever happened has happened. And there’s nothing I can do, nothing you can do.”
