Alexander Ovechkin - the latest news
(Александр Овечкин - последние известия)
Ru: Александр Овечкин, Sv: Aleksandr Ovetjkin, CS: Alexandr Ovečkin, FI: Aleksandr Ovetškin, FR: Aleksandr Ovetchkine, DE: Alexander Owetschkin
4/29/2012 Caps captain Alex Ovechkin addresses the media after Sunday's practice at Madison Square Garden.
Here's the one from yesterday, after the game 1 loss to NY Rangers
4/28/2012 Caps players Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Jason Chimera, and Mike Green address the media after a 3-1 loss in Game 1 against the New York Rangers.
Update:
Hockey Night in Canada
Alex Ovechkin Game 2 Post Game
The Washington Capitals captain chats with Elliotte Friedman after Game 2 victory.
May 1, 2012
Captain Alex Ovechkin said he doesn’t think Ward will allow the comments to affect him.
“I don’t think he’s going to read it and think about it,” he said. “He knows we love him [as] a person and a hockey player here. …But fans, sometimes they say good things and sometimes they say bad things.”
Then Ovechkin cracked about Ward’s sudden fame: “He’s right now Michael Jordan of hockey.”
washcaps:
The #Caps have landed in New York City. Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals 24 hours from now at MSG. #CapsPlayoffs #CapsNYR
04-25-12 Alex Ovechkin
Caps captain Alex Ovechkin addresses the media prior to Game 7 against the Boston Bruins.
Ovi:
Right now we have the chance to close the door for playoffs for Stanley Cup champions last year, we want to do it... I think everybody right now excited everybody can’t wait when the puck going to be dropped... t’s going to be a huge game.
@AlyonkaLarionov:
I know I'm not supposed to take sides but gotta root for childhood friends. #Game7 http://instagr.am/p/J2qt-QnZmb/
Random tweets:
@mirtle:
Amazing that @Kaka passed 10 million followers. Top hockey player is still @ovi8 at just 370,000.
ARLINGTON, Va. -- So it turns out Alex Ovechkin is not thrilled with playing less in the playoffs.
Less than a week after saying it "doesn't matter" that he's been on the bench for long stretches of the Washington Capitals' first-round series against the Boston Bruins, the two-time NHL MVP changed his tune a bit Tuesday, acknowledging he gets upset when he's not on the ice.
But Ovechkin -- paid nearly $10 million a year as Washington's captain and leading scorer -- added that he doesn't really have much say in the matter.
"Of course, sometimes you get angry you didn't play a lot (of) minutes. And sometimes you get angry you're not out there," Ovechkin said after practice Tuesday. "But if it's good for the team, you have to eat it."
Ovechkin played a career playoff-low 15 minutes, 34 seconds in Game 5 of Washington's Eastern Conference series against the Stanley Cup champion Bruins. That was after coach Dale Hunter kept Ovechkin on the bench for all but 15 seconds over the final 14 minutes of Game 4.
The Caps tie it up late as Backstrom wins a key faceoff leading to a quick shot from Alex Ovechkin for the goal.
4/22/2012 Caps lost in OT, the series is tied 3-3, the next game is Wednesday in Boston.
Ovechkin stats:
1 goal, one 4 min penalty, total ice time 22:34, 23 shifts, average 00:58, PP 07:39, even 14:55, 7 shots on goal, 1 attempt blocked, 3 missed, 2 hits, 1 takeaway
Apr. 20, 2012: Great Eight and the team are boarding for Boston (via @jumokedavis). The game 5 of the series is Saturday at 3 p.m. (NBC)
Caps captain Alex Ovechkin addresses the media after Friday's practice at KCI.
Ovi talks about his limited time in the third period:
Of course, I want to be out there. It’s his decision. I can appreciate guys for how hard they played and we win the game. That’s the most important thing. It doesn’t matter how many minutes I play. Of course, I want to be there, but it’s his decision.
Of course, I understand it and accept it. I want to be out there, but it’s his decision. We’re not going to talk about it, because it’s not the time for this. We won the game, and that’s the most important thing right now. It doesn’t matter if I play 10 seconds or five seconds; the important thing is the result.
Ovi needs to recharge his batteries (via 25stanley.com):
This was the worst game of the series for Ovi. He tried hard, but looked out of sink with no juice left. Maybe hard hitting in these series takes it's toll on him. His defensive game was chaotic, to say the best. No wonder the coaches decided to sit him a bit in the third.
Ovechkin only played 1 minute 58 seconds in the third period, and it was unclear after the game whether the star left wing was limited in the final frame because of an injury or simply held back while Coach Dale Hunter gave more defensive-oriented players significant ice time. No other Capitals player saw less than 2:56.
Ovechkin's stats:
Total ice time 17:01, 18 shifts, average 00:56, PP 04:06, even 12:55, 4 shots on goal, 1 attempt missed, 4 hits, 1 giveaway, 3 blocked shots
Alex Ovechkin steams in for a big hit on a big man, targeting Chara behind the net.
Caps players Alex Ovechkin, John Erskine, Braden Holtby, Brooks Laich and Karl Alzner address the media after a 2-1 Game 4 win at Verizon Center.
Ovi:
"The third period we play safe. It is what it is. We take this win. It was very important mentally.
I feel pretty good. I think all of the guys right now feel excited about what’s going on in the locker room and in the series. I said after the first game it’s going to be a long series and you never know what’s going to happen. Step by step, game by game we’re going to take it and we’re going to try to win the series."
Better late than never. Alex Semin talks to media, Russian version of NHL.COM, after the loss to Boston Bruins in game 3...
Semin:
Of course, it hurts to lose the game. We played well. We let some pitiful goals in. I don't know, everything went in, even what was not supposed to. Rebounds, crowded goal crease, but the better team usually wins. Today they were a better team.
Caps captain Alex Ovechkin addresses the media after Wednesday's practice at KCI.
4/18/2012 3:27 Mins
All questions about Backstrom and his 1 game suspension...
Ovi:
Well, sometimes you think it’s right decision, sometimes it’s not, sometimes you want to laugh. So right now I think it’s kind of bad decision. But there is nothing you can do.
It’s tough, but again, it’s nothing to lose. You know, series not ended, and somebody have to win, somebody have to lose... I think we play great today, but we make a couple mistakes and it costs us a goal. That was great battle, but we lost.
Ovechkin's stats:
1 goal, 1 assist, total ice time 20:29, 26 shifts, average 00:47, PP 03:26, even 17:03, 6 shots on goal, 2 attempts blocked, 5 hits, 1 giveaway
Alex Ovechkin lands a huge hit on Dennis Seidenberg in the opening minute.
Brooks Laich floats a pop-up ahead for Alex Ovechkin, who rifles a wobbling puck past Tim Thomas.
Tempers flared often Thursday night in Game 3 between the Capitals and Bruins, but the fracas that could have a lasting impact came after time expired. Boston forward Rich Peverly tripped Alex Ovechkin in the corner of the Washington zone, drawing the ire of Nicklas Backstrom. The Capitals center came to Ovechkin's aid and proceeded to cross check Peverley to the face. It was Backstrom's third penalized cross check of the game and this one garnered a match penalty, which results in an automatic suspension pending review by the NHL's department of player safety. Coach Dale Hunter was optimistic after Washington's 4-3 loss that the 24-year-old Swede won't face supplementary discipline.
Caps players Braden Holtby, Brooks Laich, Alex Ovechkin, Troy Brouwer and Jay Beagle address the media after a 1-0 loss against Boston.
4/12/2012 8:42 Mins
Ovi:
The third guy was always high. It doesn’t matter if I have the puck at the blue line and start skating. Two guys was on me and one was in the middle. Again, it's playoffs. That one shot, I should score. He make a hell of a save, but next game it’s going to be different. It's nothing special out there, we just have to stay focused.
On Holtby:
I think he played a hell of a game. Most of the time, he kept us in the game and I think he was nervous, but after the first shot you could see he was calm and he was on his roll.
On Seidenberg:
I think it was a great battle. He made some big hits and I made some big hits, so I’m enjoying it actually.
If Braden Holtby will continue to play like this, Caps have a chance. As of overtime goal, Holtby said it's not a very good goal, but even greatest goalies, like Patrick Roy, let such goals in.
@dandalyonsports:
According to hockey-reference.com, the last goalie 22 or younger to lose 1-0 game in OT was Marty Brodeur in '94 vs. #Sabres.
Troy Brouwer pretty much summed up everything, "Except of outcome we were pretty happy with our game."
The Dennis Seidenberg hit on Ovi (below) was epic. I don't remember if Ovi was ever hit that hard, really. This is the only time where you would wish Ovi to have his weight back to 234 lbs instead of 224 (according to GMGM). What made the difference was Seidenberg's position, he put a shoulder on Ovi and hit him in the chest. If it would be otherwise, Seidenberg would have no chance.
Ovechkin's stats:
Total ice time 17:34, 20 shifts, average 00:52, PP 02:40, even 14:54, 1 shot on goal, 1 attempt blocked, 7 hits, 1 giveaway
Ovi had only 1 shot on goal with total of two. This is definitely low. Basically Bruins managed to shut down Ovi ("two guys were on me, one in the middle"), but Ovi will adjust for the next game.
TarikElBashir:
Five times (including tonight) Ovi has been held to one or no shots in the playoffs. The #Caps are 1-4 in those games.
The next game is Saturday, on NBC (and CBC), at 3 p.m. ET.
“With him, it’s always just about how dangerous he can be,” Ference said. “In a heartbeat he can lay you out with one of the harder hits in the league, or he can [beat] you for a pretty goal. He’s got a great shot. It’s not like he doesn’t have all the tools to be an extremely dangerous player. He just gets so much more attention from everybody’s best defensive forward, best D-man. Nobody really gives him an inch out there.”
Ovechkin took a huge hit from Bruins defenseman Dennis Seidenberg but bounced right up after the collision.
“He’s not one to shy away from anything physical,” Ference said. “But a hit’s a hit. Those hard hits add up. But he’s not going to be one to shy away, that’s for sure. I think he enjoys playing real hockey. Having that physical side of the game is great. That’s what makes the sport really nice.
“Guys respect that. He’s a superstar that’s willing to get his nose dirty. And I think that’s why guys appreciate his game so much.”
Caps captain Alex Ovechkin addresses the media prior to tonight's playoff game against the Boston Bruins. 4/12/2012 3:11 Mins
Ovi:
I don’t think [the mood's] lighter. It’s the first game of the playoffs, everybody excited. It’s a different season right now, starting. Of course you prepare stuff to get ready and it doesn’t matter how but you’ve got to be ready a 100%.
The Traktor Chelyabinsk Yevgeny Kuznetsov, who will celebrate his 20th birthday in May, admitted in an interview to "R-Sport" Alyona Shilova (Apr. 9, 2012) that it's not easy to constantly match the expectations he created by himself as a leader of his team, and that everybody expects the results from him, but it is very hard to score in every game. The player, who is called by many experts as the future of Russian hockey, said that he hadn't yet decided whether to leave to NHL or continue to play in the KHL next season. His decision may be influenced by the fact whether Valery Belousov will remain as Traktor's head coach.
Here are some excerpts:
Just before the start of the playoffs you had to deal with knee injury, there were some dire prognoses... The prognoses are what they are, but it is still good that there is such country as Germany (laughs). The doctor [in Germany] looked up and explained what was necessary to do to make sure it won't happen again, and he was right, pah-pah-pah [knock on wood]. I played in playoffs and the knee did not bother me. And others, they were giving different prognoses, one was of four weeks. When we arrived in Germany, the doctor initially told me to be on the crutches for four weeks and do nothing. I said, "I actually have a game on the 5th, like in... 10 days." He said, "Well then, ride the stationary bike on the 3rd and play on the 5th. What can I say, I know that hockey players are sick people, they can go out to play without a leg. But you've got a knee protector, you should be ok." And we also taped it the first few days. In general Traktor has a very high level of medical care. The doctor, the fitness coach, everyone worked hard and advised me on what to do. That's why I had no problems.
But didn't you risk too much playing in the last game of the series against Ugra? Nothing ventured, nothing gained! If I had a pain, I wouldn't be playing, because it could've done more harm to everyone than good. But there was no pain and I played, given it all to hockey. To be honest, I asked for it, to play in that game. It would be hard to go out and play in playoffs vs. Ak-Bars without practice. And I played one game, for me it was very important to gain confidence. It is very hard when you are not playing. And I didn't have much of the ice time in that game, it was hard and I knew I wouldn't be very useful.
During the playoffs you said that you have already made a decision about the future for yourself, that you would stay in the KHL next season... Has anything changed or did you say just say it for the sake of not to be asked again about it? Yes, just so that the people can leave me along. I got really tired of it. On April the 30th Traktor will give me an offer and then we'll see. So far there were no talks. And I can do nothing, but think, dream and talk constantly about it with everyone.
Is Washington active? They don't call me every day, that's for sure. Everything is calm. They made me an offer and wait for my answer. So far I haven't promise anything. We just talked. Now we all waiting for the end of the season.
But have you decided by yourself? Not exactly... (Pause) So far every day is different. I am still thinking.
Have you talked to Belousov? He believes that it is necessary for you to stay another year. We haven't talked yet. We decided to wait until the end of the season.
Is it important for you whether Belousov will stay with Traktor or not? Will it affect your decision? Of course. If he stays, it will be a big plus.
In Russia, can you imagine yourself with another club? I believe that anything is possible. Everything will depend on me, on my desire where and how I want it.
In the course of the conversation you gave nice comments about the SKA, now everyone thinks that you are coming to St. Petersburg ... Let the people think. I still haven't decided. Neither SKA nor any other team called me, and they don't have the right till April 30th. So far it was Traktor and Washington, no one else.
What about Traktor's management, do they show the activity? Of course, they want me to stay. And I have a desire too, but I still think about it. Chelyabinsk... You live home and you play home, that says it all.
Source: http://rsport.ru/
According to Sport-Express, the Washington Capitals' general manager George McPhee is arriving to Moscow on Tuesday. The purpose of the visit is the contract negotiations with Traktor's forward Yevgeny Kuznetsov and the possible signing of such contract. Right now Kuznetsov is with Russian national team at the Novogorsk training facility in Moscow region.
Here’s the Caps celebrating a 4-2 win over the Florida Panthers tonight, giving them a playoff berth. Brooks Laich, Jay Beagle and Alexander Semin are first, second and third star respectively.
Omsk Avangard defenseman Anton Belov kicked in the face Caps prospect Yevgeny Kuznetsov who plays for Chelyabinsk Traktor. Belov got 2 minutes penalty.
Alex Ovechkin gave an exclusive interview to Russian RBK-Sport. For the most part the questions are about IIHF World championships, the new team Russia's coaching staff since Russians really don't care much about Stanley Cup playoffs.
Ekaterina Bruy, Apr.2, 2012, sport.rbc.ru:
Last season was not very successful for you. Why do you think it happened? The fact that we lost in the playoffs and then after the playoffs the world championship; this is definitely a series of failures and obviously one have to think about it.
Do you think it was a team's failure or because of some individuals? Or what went wrong? As they say, you win as a team and lose as a team. I don't see any reason to blame anyone and poke a finger at someone. It is a failure of all the players and the entire coaching staff. But there's always the next season where you can start all over again. Of course, a season can be successful, but at the same time the most important games could be lost and end up not very good. That's why it is best when the most successful games are happening at the end rather than early in the season.
Have you changed something in your training to make your season more successful? No, I haven't changed training in principal. I was just more serious in preparation for the season, and started it as physically fit as I possibly could.
Why do you think the national team failed in the [IIHF] World Cup? Let's not talk about why it failed and because of what. Now the national team has a new challenge, and there are new people at the management of the team. So let's see what will happen next and stop talking about the past.
How would you assess your performance at the last World Cup? How can I evaluate the performance where I haven't scored any points and didn't help the team to achieve a goal?
Have you talked to a new team Russia's management? Yes, of course, I talked to Bilyaletdinov, Kravchuk, Tretiak. I have wonderfull communication with all of them. My phone is always available to them and if they need to talk to me, of course, I will talk and meet with them if needed.
What do you think, can the new coaching staff lead the national team to victory at the next World Championships and Olympic Games in Sochi? The coaches can tell you how to play, but they can't get out to play for us. It all depends on the team. You have to count in bad luck and some mistakes on the ice, but it's certainly fixable. I think everything will depend on the players, not just coaches.
You were always a mile ahead of your peers. At 17 you've already played for the national team. Are you afraid that such a bright start and such advances can now lead to the fact that you, as they say, will burn before your time? And what to burn? Makes no sense. If you enjoy your life which you made with hard work, your diligence, why do I have to burn? I don't see the point.
Who are the players you would like to see on your line? My wishes are not the priority, whatever coach will say, so be it.
What if you had a choice? There's no choice, so let's close this topic.
What about the coaches, who would you like to work with then? Well, of course, with the man who would be in charge of the team I'm going to play for. I've already worked with Tikhonov, Yurzinov, Bilyaletdinov. I have a good understanding and good relations with all the coaches .
Would you like to become a coach one day? This will be possible to discuss when I'll be close to finish my sporting career. Then we can talk about coaching or some other things. I have 10 years left to play for the Washington Capitals, and make plans that far doesn't make sense. Let's see how my destiny will shape up, in what form I will be, and how the family will look at it. There are a lot of nuances. I don't think it is right to talk about my plans for the next 10 years. When time will come, we'll see and think about it.
Do you miss Russia, or have you become accustomed? I miss home, family, my friends. Of course, you get used to it, the man gets used to anything, to any environment and to any life situations.
You are the Gillette ambassador and star in commercials. Do you feel comfortable acting? I have started it before Gillette and feel comfortable in front of the camera and journalists, never too shy and not afraid of my moves.
Are you interested in acting? Yes, of course, it is interesting. This is something new in your life. You should not just be an athlete. If you have the opportunity to shoot, why not? Especially when it does not interfere with your career, I think this is just the opposite, it is only good. You're always in sight and it makes you wonder how you look. In this regard, without Gillette razors I am not going anywhere. If I'm clean-shaven, then I like myself, I am confident in myself and I'm comfortable, and everything turns out well.
What do you think about your wax figure, which is exhibited at the Madame Tussauds museum? First of all I think it is an honor. Not every Russian man, especially in America, can win the trust of the people who put your figure in the Madame Tussauds museum, especially since you'll be there for life.
You have a lot of achievements, and you acknowledged hockey star. You have been called a legend already. Where do you look for motivation? I'm looking for motivation in the victories and I think that I have not yet reached the level where I can be called a legend. I am only 26 years old. I have the whole life ahead.
I know you collect hockey sticks. Whose stick could take the central place in your collection? Mario Lemieux's.
Your parents are the athletes, you are an athlete, who will be your children, will the dynasty continue? First of all, you have to have children, and then we will talk about it. Of course, I would like my children to be in the sports. But this will depend on my future wife, on her advices and on the wishes of children themselves. This is a difficult question, let's see how it will go.
"He's like the shark in Jaws, circling in the water waiting for blood. They should play that music from the movie – da-duh, da-duh, da-duh - when he's out on a shift. He doesn't just go after loose pucks, he hunts them down."
~John Davidson, President of Hockey Operations for the St. Louis Blues.
Blog o Alexovi, psaný anglicky, je vážně kvalitní a aktuální
Just wanted to thank you for posting my book on your blog, which I consulted a fair bit while researching and writing the book. In particular, the comprehensive list of links on alexovetjkin.blogspot.com is the best library on Ovechkin material available anywhere.
Regards,
Geoffrey Lansdell
"The fan blog Alex Ovetjkin does a fine job of tracking all things OV on a daily basis..."
Stu Hackel, Slap Shot The New York Times hockey blog
"Your work on the Ovechkin and Semin interviews was wonderful, and both are just great reads. Thanks for the time and effort..."
Greg Wyshynski Editor - Puck Daddy, Yahoo! Sports Blogs The Bill Murray Award -- For Outstanding Work From a Bilingual
Nominees: On Frozen Blog, The Alex Ovetjkin Blog
Winner: The Alex Ovetjkin Blog has seriously upped its game over the last twelve months and they continue to be the offseason's premier blog for info on our Russian players. OFB has the connections, but The AO Blog has the heart. Tic Tac Toe Hockey
"If you don’t read “Alex Ovetjkin,” you’re missing out on information on the Caps’ star forward that you probably won’t find in other places." The Peerless Prognosticator
"Alex Ovetjkin: This is a very cool blog, all Alex Ovechkin. If you are a Caps fan it is a good read. If you are a Alex Ovechkin fan, it is a must read. This is one of the best sources to track Ovechkin! Link partner of DCPSR! Rank: * * * * * DC Pro Sports Report
@AlyonkaLarionov:
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