Alex Ovechkin has found himself in some hot water on Social media following some recent comments during an interview in Russia.
During an interview with Izvestia, a news site in Russia, Ovechkin was asked a series of questions, including his thoughts on the league stopping mandated specialty warmup jerseys, specifically pride.
This is what he had to say:
"I'm glad the NHL stopped giving into political pressure. The world needs more of this. What else can I say. Well done. It should be like that everywhere."
When asked about his thoughts on Dominik Hasek saying the league needs to punish Russian players, Ovechkin also said:
"I don't care about his statements. NHL clubs choose players by skills and abilities, not by nationality. He was once a great goalie, I recember I scored on him once."
Ovechkin also praised NHL leadership for not imposing any sanctions on players like Ivan Provorov of the Philadelphia Flyers and current Red Wings goalie James Reimer over their refusal to participate in NHL-sanctioned Pride Night events in support of the LGBTQ community.
Should the NHL bring back themed jersey nights?
Yes
No
