Malkin's reaction to Ovechkin's hit

From SovSport.ru, Jan. 23

Why Ovechkin tried to flatten Malkin? We believe that Sasha wanted to play physical against Malkin who was the main threat. If you stop Geno, you can win the game. And Washington Capitals need victories like an oxygen, desperately trying to get into playoffs.

"I just play for the team. It doesn't matter if you're Russian or Canadian, this is hockey. And there are no friends on the ice", said Ovechkin.

We asked Geno after the game why he got into pushing and shoving to respond to Ovechkin?

"Didn't you see how he was flying trying to flatten me?" said Malkin. "You think what? I am going to tolerate this? But actually I have a good relationship with Sasha. And anything can happen in the heat of the game!"

You know what? I like Malkin. Alex just tried to take his head off for God's sake. Whew, I am glad if they are still friends. This is like civil war, brother against brother... And how laughable is now Don Cherry's last year comment on Ovechkin and Malkin (...he's none too happy about players getting chummy with each other before a game)

So here's to hope that off-season workouts with Malkin and Gonchar will continue. For that Malkin just needs to survive the rest of the games with Caps before the season ends... :-)

And for those who forgot, during lockout Gonchar received a concussion from open ice hit delivered by Ovechkin (watch YouTube video above).

Alex Ovechkine, Russian Crazy Score Machine... :-) You've got to be crazy to be genius... Or something like that... :-)