Alexander Ovechkin has become an honorary citizen of Golovinskiy district in Moscow

Alexander Ovechkin has become an honorary citizen of intra-municipal entity (IME) Golovinskiy in Moscow.


This title is awarded to the people who have made outstanding contributions to the development and prosperity of their communities. Alexander Ovechkin is the pride of Golovinskiy district in Moscow; his family lives on Flotskaya street, the athlete has been actively involved in various activities.


 Six other persons besides Alexander Ovechkin got this year's honorary IME citizen award. They received a diploma, an award certificate and the badge "Honorary citizen of intra-municipal entity Golovinskoye in Moscow."


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Ovechkin "larger than life" on the streets of Moscow

Photo by Cotsonika
Nick Cotsonika ‏@cotsonika

Alex, larger than life in Russia.

Again, as I walk around Moscow taking pictures, please know I am thinking of those affected by the hurricane. Hope everyone is OK.

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Thousands of people lined up for Ovechkin's autograph

Look at this. I got it from Pavel Lysenkov's tweet. At first I thought it was a joke, but Pavel replied it was no joke and suggested to read SovSport.ru. Here it is:

Thousands of people lined up for an autograph. More than a thousand people gathered in the narrow aisle. The guards and the fences could hardly contain the crowd. During the session there are minor skirmishes, but guards still manage to avoid the jostle. Judging by the capacity of the narrow corridors one can get a treasured autograph maybe the next day, and in any case, there still will be a lot of unhappy people who won't get it.

The organizers couldn't imagine how many people were wishing to get an autograph or take pictures with the idol. That's why a gigantic line gathered in the hallway of the arena. It almost came to a jostle.

In addition, as the third period has just started, the police roughly pushed the fans, and Alexander Ovechkin took his place on the podium, while several hundred people were cut. Some of them confessed that they got in line in the first period.

Un-freaking-belivable... :-)

Update: More from Moscow Dynamo web site:






@pLysenkov:

Here's the video of crowd for Ovechkin's autograph. Crazy.

Update:
Here's more from Nicholas Cotsonika, Yahoo Sports writer, who was actually at the game:

There were hundreds of people, actually thousands. They had come to see one of their modern Russian hockey heroes, Alex Ovechkin, only to find he wasn't playing because of illness – only to find they would be able to see him, anyway.

The announcement came during the second period of Dynamo Moscow's game against Dinamo Riga on Monday night: Ovechkin, the locked-out captain of the Washington Capitals, would be signing autographs on the second-floor concourse during intermission. Even though it was a one-goal game, the stands emptied immediately. The fans lined up behind metal barricades. They leaned over the third-floor overhang, knowing they would have no chance to meet him there, but a better chance to see him.

They waited.

And then there he was, surrounded by three guards, wearing his white No. 32 Dynamo jersey and stylishly ripped jeans. Ovechkin waded through the crowd and waved. He took a picture with a kid in a wheelchair. Then he signed, and signed, and signed, and signed. Little kids. Old ladies. Grown men. He signed hats and scarves and shirts and jerseys. He signed pictures and programs and whatever else a marker could mark.

It was very cool. Maybe Ovechkin passed along some germs – sounds like bronchitis, and Mikhail said he's supposed to be out a week – but it was worth it.

Ovechkin signed as fast as he could. He posed for picture after picture. The guards barked at people to keep moving. When the intermission ended, Mikhail whisked him away. He didn't get to everyone – not even close – but there was no way he could have. Not unless he wanted a serious hand cramp. Not unless Dynamo didn't care if anyone watched the third period.

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Get well, Ovi!

From SportBox.ru:

The Moscow "Dynamo star forward Alexander Ovechkin will not participate in the game of the KHL regular season against Dinamo Riga, reports the correspondent of Sportbox.ru Dinara Kafiskina. Ovechkin was diagnosed with bronchitis, accompanied by high fever.

The 27-year-old hockey player, who is a white'n'blue alumni, moved to Russia from Washington, DC because of the lockout in the NHL. During this time he played in 14 games, and scored 14 (6G, 8A) points.

The game between Dynamo Moscow and Riga will be held on Monday at 7:30 PM (Moscow time).

Get glass of vodka and borsch, Ovi! Show some old time Russian hockey!

It seems like it's not too bad. P-Sport.ru reports that if the player won't be running a high temperature, in the second break he will hold an autograph session.

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Nicklas Bäckström talks about life in Russia and times in DC

Another epic Russian style interview, this time with Nicklas Bäckström. The link was provided by our field reporter Emily.

Moscow, Russia, Oct. 27, 2012 - The signing of Swedish forward, Washington Capitals Nicklas Bäckström during the lockout by Moscow Dynamo, was a big event for the white'n'blue. It's hard to imagine any KHL club that would refuse to have such hockey player in their lineup. He is shining in the games and is not lost in everyday's life. He came to the interview smiling, open, friendly. And answered all questions from the "SE" without any reserve.


It will be interesting for me to play in the KHL

Nicklas when you watched you team playing vs Atlant from the podium, what thoughts had flashed in your head?
I sat and thought that came to play for a good team. And not just because we won that game. I knew that Moscow Dynamo was the leader of the Western Conference before that. In addition I felt that Ovechkin and the rest of the Dynamo players wanted to see me in their lineup.

You've probably seen a different hockey compared to NHL...
Yes, it was different. But I still thought it was pretty good, very fast. Most of the teams have a system they follow. And on the whole, KHL has a very decent level of hockey. It will be interesting for me to play here.

Actually, you've already begun to do so. You have debuted with the team vs Locomotive in Yaroslavl. What were your feelings?
I was happy to finally go on the ice, not just train, but play! I didn't play for four and a half months. We won confidently. But for me personally it was a typical game of the hockey player who was taking a long break. Besides, I can still feel the difference in time zones to acclimate.

In other words you are aware of the fact that you are not in shape yet...
Of course. What is there to hide? I only worked on the individual program. Had no game practice. Its hard to say how I am ready percentage wise. The only thing I know that it's not a 100%. But not to worry, I will get better.

In what exactly?
I just need to get into a rhythm. As they say, need to move the clock handles. When I will do it right and on time, it will immediately have a positive impact on the game.

Were you upset that you failed to score on your old Caps friend Varlamov? There was a good moment after Ovechkin's pass, but you could not close it on the far post...


I agree, I had to score. But I'm still happy because the team won. And our trio had two goals out of three. The more to it, one Caps player still scored on Varly. So everything is fine (laughs).

When will you score yourself?
You know, I've never make such plans. And I am never wondering when will I score and how much. I'm more worried about the team result. Of course, I want to make a contribution at the same time. For example, block opposite player when we score, give a good pass. Always nice to score, but I'm not obsessed with this idea.


If you remember, Ovechkin after a verbal altercation pushed Yaroslavl defenseman Guskov. What they didn't agree on?
I honestly didn't see the whole episode, so I can't answer. When I turned Guskov was already falling on the ice. But this is hockey. Nothing terrible has happened. The guys got excited at first, then they settled down.

And if someone in the game would rough you? What do you think would Ovechkin rushed to protect you?
I think so. He has done it in the NHL. Hopefully, in the KHL he will do the same.

I want to play in Sochi Everybody heard that you came to Moscow Dynamo because of Alexander. How long he tried to persuade you to sign with them?
I talked to him at the beginning of October. Then, to be honest, I was hoping that the new collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and the players union would still be signed. I was planning to play overseas. Then the situation changed. It became clear that the issue, so to speak, hung in the air. That's why I decided to play in the KHL.

You have consulted with Ovechkin. And what about some Swedish hockey players? Maybe Tony Martensson of SKA St. Petersburg?
You guessed it right. I spoke with Tony earlier. Asked him about the league. And he said that KHL is at a very decent level. So after talking with Ovi I had no doubts remained. Then there are technical nuances. We had to make a visa, obtain the necessary documents. All this took time. If not that I maybe would have come earlier.

Really? But I have some information that you were going to play at home for Brynäs originally...
You are right. At first I thought of the home team. But the situation in the Swedish elite league was incomprehensible. Some clubs flatly refused to invite NHL players. Brynäs, in this respect, did not have any plans for us, as well.

The leaders of the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation did not recommended to sign NHL stars for a short period of time. It actually sounded pretty ridiculous. Or do you think otherwise?
They seem to be confused. At first they said that clubs should not take players from the NHLduring the lockout, then they gave it all to the mercy of the general managers...

And why Swedish players mostly prefer to play at home and reluctantly come to Russia?
Reluctantly? It's a moot point. I think one has to make his own decision. There is no clear answer. Some prefer to stay at home, while others, on the contrary, want to experience something new. In short, it comes to individual decision.

You probably know; the other day NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said that it seemed the season is gone, it's unlikely any agreement would to be signed...
Sure, everybody listen to the opinion of such person like Bettman. But it is quite possible that this is a cunning ploy by the NHL. We can't foresee whta would happen. Although, of course, at the moment situation is not very good. Let's see how things will develop.

As the NHL is idle, you have a great opportunity to play for the "Tre krunur" in Euro Tour. If they call you, will you go?
I'm afraid that I won't be able to. I still need to make a multiple entry visa to Russia, to address other technical issues. But I can go to other tournaments of Euro Tour later and with pleasure. To play for your country is a great honor!

The Sochi Olympics are not far off. I am sure NHLers will play there. Do you dream about it?
Of course. I want and I am ready to play in the Olympic tournament. They held only once every four years. This is a great event in the life of any athlete. In the meantime, I will get in shape with the Moscow Dynamo (laughs).

GIRLFRIEND LISA WILL COME OVER AFTER THE CHAMPIONSHIP BREAK

As far as I know, you live at the team's training facility in Novogorsk.
You are absolutely right. A little later I will get my own separate apartment. Perhaps this will happen after the November break in the championship. Then my girlfriend Lisa will come over. Do you like her? (He shows the photo of the striking blonde in his iPhone.)

Perfect choice. And who is now helping you at home?
I take care of myself. Just kidding, of course. I get help from all the people around me in Dynamo. First of all it's Ovi, Gynge, my agent Gleb Chistyakov.

In general, are you comfortable on the line with Ovechkin and Gynge?
Absolutely. On the other hand, we have only played together two games, so it's early to say anything definite yet.

Nevertheless, is the line combination justified in your view?
I think it's a good combination. We played with Ovi for five years on the same line. He can score. And Gynge can score too! With him, by the way, I have played for one year at home with Brynäs.

The Dynamo head coach Oleg Znarok naturally has taken into account all of these "little things". And did you have a personal conversation with him?
It was the case. We communicated through an interpreter. What he said if I may ask?
He explained the system team played. You understand I can't tell all the subtleties. And that I should conform to certain requirements.

What is it?
He said that I need to follow the game plan, in any case not to deviate from the team's system. And to play for the team to win.

What was your impression about Znarok?
First of all, it seemed to me that Oleg is a good man. And second, he is a good coach. Dynamo won last season's major trophy, it says a lot. For example, I clearly feel that the team has established discipline. That, of course, is very important.

Would you play for Znarok in Washington?
If the club will hire him, why not? However, for this Oleg will need to learn English (smiles).

SPASIBO, BHAZA, BORSCH...

And you have studied Russian before coming here?
I already know a few words that do not relate to the game. Spasibo, bhaza, borsch... and not going to stop there. (Spasibo - Thank you, bhaza - team's training facility, like Kettler Capitals IcePlex, borsch - Russian soup made with beets and cabbiage - tj)

Do you regret about your choice?
Not at all. I like everything here. You can write that I even feel happy. Naturally, it takes time to get used to the new atmosphere, different size of the rink. But in the days that I spent there, I had a positive experience. About the city, the club, the people. In short, all is well, except for the traffic jams on the roads.

Have you used subway yet?
Not yet. I am sure I will, but I'm more comfortable to travel by car.

Do you miss Washington?
What do you think? I lived there for six years. Capitals is a good team. But now we have what we have. I repeat, I am satisfied with everything.

The reason I am asking is that with Washington Capitals you've spent a lot of time together with Ovechkin, Semin and Green even off-ice...
Yes, especially in the early years. And on the road we were trying to keep one company. It is true that the longer you live in a city, the more friends you get outside hockey. But with the boys we were doing fine. Now there is always something to remember. We had all kind of fun stories.

Can you share?
Sure. Once on my birthday in Ottawa, I was interviewed by reporters. So Ovi crept from the back and smeared my face with the shaving cream. A year later, he spoke to the press in Washington on his birthday. And I did the same to him. As they say, returned the favor. So on this account it is 1-1 (laughs).

Now, almost all the old Washington company is here in Russia. You and Ovechkin in Dynamo, Varlamov in Locomotive, Semin in the Torpedo. By the way, how come youlost in Nizhny Novgorod with shutout?
Well, any team can lose. We didn't play well. Semin, by the way, came to our training. We greeted. And now we need to concentrate and play well on Monday in the next game.

What do you think about your opponent Riga Dinamo?
This is a team from the capital of Latvia (laughs). But seriously, I know goalkeeper Mikael Tellqvist. I crossed paths with him several times playing for the Swedish national team.

Are you going to talk to him?
Maybe after the game. During the game I will greet him with a goal.

Ilya ELISEEV

Source: http://hockey.sport-express.ru/reviews/25736/

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Can't get away from Pens even in Russia. :-)

Alex Ovechkin (6'2" 218 lbs) meets Torpedo's Vladimir Malenkikh (6'2" 198 lbs), who was drafted by Pens as #157 in 1999.

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Together with Maria, a one year anniversary.

Our investigative correspondent Emily reported this link from Ukrainian web site yesterday. Great job as usual, Emily!



Here are some excerpts from the interview with Maria Kirilenko, who is currently in Istanbul competing together with Nadia Petrova in doubles...

Maria Kirilenko, the world star of women's tennis, almost never gives interviews, protecting herself from the invasion in her private life. And it actually stirs more interest in her persona, as she had the best career season (taking the bronze in doubles at the Olympics in London) along with the first anniversary of living together with the most famous Russian hockey player Alexander Ovechkin.




Their romance, which started suddenly when Masha was still dating another person, was predicted to be a short one because Ovi does not date girls for a long time. But during the Kremlin Cup tournament that just ended, he not only actively supported her in the stands, but also presented her with a chic diamond ring. And indeed the tennis star confessed that the lovers are on the same wavelength and have no plans for separation.

Maria, are you well versed in hockey now? How often can you manage to get to the games with Sasha?
(Ovechkin could be handed a prize of the most active fan of Kremlin Cup. He only missed two Masha's games when he played himself in Mytishchi and Yaroslavl. On all other days he supported his favorite girl so loud and recklessly, that he inadvertently took away all of the viewers' attention. At the VIP section Sasha was accompanied by his father and mother, who were also rooting for Masha, raising hands after she would win her set, or, on the contrary, covering their face after the lost one...)

Yes, I try to attend all Sasha's games as much as possible if I don't play myself. Of course I know what the shootout is! It was during the Kremlin Cup that I had a free day, and I went to the Dynamo vs Siberia game. In that game one of the opponent's players fell because of Sasha, and we got penalty shootout. Fortunately they didn't score, but Dynamo still lost that game. I was very disappointed, like the whole team, I guess.

Does Alexander know tennis better now because of you?
Oh, he already knew all the rules, what is there to understand? (Maria smiled and glanced at her diamond ring.)

Do you feel that the support of a loved one helps you in carrying out one of the best seasons in your career?
Yes, I feel that. I am very pleased and it is important that he is cheering so hard for me and supports me.

Masha, Russian men's tennis is in a tailspin. Can you maybe convince Ovechkin try his hand at tennis, especially because he knows it?
Yes, indeed, we have big problems with men's tennis. One of the reasons is our juniors. Sometimes it's a lack of talented people, and sometimes the talents lacks support from the federation. There is simply no money and there's nothing that can be done. As for Sasha... (Laughs) You know, he's too busy in the KHL, but we had never even talked about it. We hardly discuss any sport with each other, we have a lot to talk about without it. We have so many topics of conversation, we can easily find a common language and understand each other perfectly. And I am very pleased that his parents also come to cheer for me.

Source: http://showbiz.siteua.org/

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BAUER Fabrique au Canada

@dynamo_ru ХК Динамо Москва

Кое-кому пришли новые конёчки:-)

Someone got new skates:-)

BAUER Custom Made Skates
ALEXANDER OVECHKIN
EUROPE
Model APX
Made in Canada
Fabrique au Canada

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Ovechkin: All work and no play...

Our investigative reporter Emily:

If you were wondering where Maria is - she's in Istanbul for the WTA Championships.
(More to follow...)

Meanwhile Ovi was found behind the scenes in one of the Russian ice hockey arenas:




Photos by @stasy1976.

But Ovi knows that "all work and no play, etc. etc." so he and his buddy Backis go to the party:

Alexander Ovechkin came to the birthday party of comedian Mikhail Galustian with a newfound Dynamo forward Swede Nicklas Backstrom. The hockey players enjoyed beer and fun conversation with the singer Nyusha.

Good for them!

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Dynamo 0, Torpedo 4. Жесть.

You win some, you lose some, you learn some Russian slang as well...

Photo by @Dynamo_ru

Павел Лысенков @plysenkovRUS

Как я вижу, на стадионе в Нижнем Новгороде - full house. Аншлаг, 5600 зрителей.

@dynamo_ru: Жесть

Here's the explanation on what Russian Urban slang Zhest (Жесть) means:

"It's tough"

colloquially it means something cool or something terrible.what has caused a lot of emotions)))

People can use "жесть" when they are shocked or amused.

Ovechkin had only 2 shots on goal, 1 in the first period and 1 in the third... Жесть... Alex Syomin (former Semin) had two primary assists...

Павел Лысенков @plysenkovRUS

Нижегородцы дали Овечкину под ребро. Похоже, у него травма.

NizhnyNovgorodians hit Ovechkin under the ribs. It seems like he got injured.

Жесть indeed...

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Hot water pipe bursted in Ovechkin hotel room in Nizhny Novgorod

via sports.ru
Ovechkin's voice:

Here's what happened in our hotel room in Nizhny Novgorod. I share room with Mikhail Anisin. The pipe bursted, (спасение утопающих дело рук самих утопающих) the job of rescuing drowning people is the drowning people's job... it happens... we are in Nizhny Novgorod. And here am I... We are watching Kazan vs Mettallurg...

Ovi is Nizhny Novgorod to play vs Alex Semin's Torpedo.

Alex Ovechkin @ovi8:

prorvalo tryby y nas v nomere)))hahahaha xorosho rshe ne yexali!!)))))love it!!!

pipe bursted in our hotel room)))hahahaha it's good that we haven't left yet!!)))))love it!!!

Ovechkin shares the room with Mikhail Anisin. I guess Backstrom's roommate is another Swedish player Richard Gynge.

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Lokomotiv 0, Dynamo 3. Ovechkin recorded goal, assist and a fight.

In the central game of KHL tournament Lokomotiv lost to Moscow Dynamo 0-3 on their home ice. The white'n'blue leader Alexander Ovechkin scored 1 one goal and assisted on the third goal by Richard Gynge.

Lokomotiv (Yaroslavl) 0, Dynamo (Moscow) 3 (0:2, 0:0, 0:1)

Goals:
10:28 Babenko(5) (Pestunov) 0:1.
15:44 Ovechkin(6) (Novak) 0:2 PP.
46:37 Gynge(6) (Ovechkin) 0:3.

Goalkeepers: Varlamov - Eremenko.


Photo by Yuri Kuzmin, KHL.
This was the first KHL game for Nicklas Backstrom. He centered the line with Alex Ovechkin and Richard Gynge.

From Dynamo's site play-by-play:
51:00 A fight here. Ovechkin started. As a result, all players huddled.
50:40 Penalty for #32. Alexander Ovechkin [2 min. roughing]
53:13 Penalty for #32. Alexander Ovechkin [2 min. roughing]


..hmmm did Ovi get Gordie Howe hat-trick?



H/t to @plysenkov


Russian web site interfax.ru confirmes Ovechkin's Gordie Howe hat-trick:

Hockey players pleased the audience with colorful skirmish between Ovechkin and Trunev. Moreover, Alexander the Great, after serving two minutes, came back on ice and immediately got into a dispute with Guskov. The latter was not going to fight, but Ovechkin was unstoppable, he punched Guskov and went back to the penalty box.

Dynamo is now travelling to Nizhny Novgorod, where Ovechkin will meet another former Washington teammate Alexander Semin, who plays for Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo.

Source: http://www.interfax.ru/sport/txt.asp?id=272153

Роман Пряников @konditer76

Овечкин: C локтя мне ударили в голову. Я сказал: давай драться. Мне отказали. Считаю, что некрасиво получилось. Хорошо, обошлось без травмы.

Ovechkin: I got elbowed in the head. I said, let's fight. I was refused. I think that turned ugly. Well, at least there were no injuries.

photos by michail_shor

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Ovechkin scores, breaks glass. Atlant 1, Dynamo 4

@nnailgun:

Приехал Овечкин и сломал Арену @ Арена «Мытищи»
Ovechkin came and broke the Arena @ Arena "Mytishchi"

@sergdyadya:

мистер Овечкин головой стекло выбил ) - хитовал Михнова , Лёха увернулся , а стекло не смогло
Mr. Ovechkin knocked the glass with his helmet ) - tried to hit Mihnov, Lecha ducked, but the glass couldn't

The game is over. Atlant 1, Dynamo 4. The best players: Ovechkin, Khudobin.

Sports.ru:

Ovechkin tried to use body check against Atlant forward Alexei Mikhnov, but missed. After that he hit the glass with his back and the glass broke.

After this episode Ovechkin went to the locker room to shake out the shards of glass out of his ammunition.

Sportbox.ru review:

Ovechkin scored his 5th goal entrenching himself as the Muscovites top scorer. He also broke the glass with the back of his head after trying to hit the opposite player.

Dynamo, who conceded the first place in the championship standings to SKA after losing to Siberia, is back to the top. Blue'n'white are ahead of Petrograd by two points. Atlant, who lost the fifth match in a row, is ninth in the West.

Ovechkin breaks the glass with the back of his head (and helmet, of course)



Ovi scores his 5th championship goal while two defensemen try to contain him.


@plysenkov Pavel Lysenkov:

For your desktop: "Ovechkin and the broken glass".

Dynamo 4, Atlant 1 (English Commentary)

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Nicklas Backstrom interview to Sport-Express

Alexander Rogulev, SE, was able to reach Nicklas Backstrom via the phone, after Nicklas signed the contract with Dynamo.

When can we see you on the ice in Dynamo's jersey?
First, you need to settle with all the formalities and to spend at least one training session with my new partners. You have to understand that I need to get to know the guys and the coaches. As of the first game... It all depends on the coaching staff. When the management decide that I'm ready to play for the new club, I will show up in the lineup.

How can you evaluate your current form?
I was on the ice in Washington, but of course I don't have any serious playing practice.

How much your Washington Capitals teammate Alexander Ovechkin was involved in this transition?
It makes no sense to hide that I called Alex and asked his advice. Still Russia is an unknown country for me. Ovie was very useful and helpful. But even without him I knew that Dynamo is one of the elite clubs in the league, and Moscow is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Dynamo is the League's playoff champion, and it says a lot. Also my compatriot Rihard Gyunge plays for Dynamo, and I know him since the days when I played in Sweden.

Does it bother you that the negotiations between the NHL and the players union have intensified? The lockout can end, and then you have to fly back ...
What is the point to wonder when the parties will finally come to an agreement? Maybe tomorrow, maybe next year. I really missed hockey. I can't wait to get back on skates, pick up a stick and start to score for my new team. Dynamo's offer was just what I needed, and the last thing I was thinking about were negotiations between the NHL and the union...

Here's what Gleb Chistyakov, who is Swedish forward's agent, said, "Dynamo has expressed their interest in Backstrom long time ago. It took some time for Nicklas to agree to move to Russia. So this decision was not spontaneous. But when it was taken, we quickly agreed with the management of Dynamo on all issues. It will be interesting to see again Backstrom - Ovechkin duo. This time it will be in Russia."

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Moscow Dynamo press release about signing Nicklas Backstrom.

Oct. 19, 2012 - A new forward, who played on the same line with Alexander Ovechkin in Washington, has arrived to the Dynamo's training facility today. Nicklas Backstrom's contract will be completed after he will pass the medical examination, and will be based on the standard in this case condition, till the end of the season or till the end of the lockout in the National Hockey League. We'd like to remind that Ovechkin - Backstrom duo was considered the most effective for the "Washington Capitals", so it's safe to say that our capital's hockey club Dynamo will receive a huge boost in Backstrom.

 Medical examination is scheduled on Saturday morning after which Nicklas will have the first training session with the club. In the evenning Nicklas will come to cheer for Dynamo in the away game vs Mytischi Atlant. Backstrom will play under number 99.

 More about the Nicklas Backstrom in our photo report. 



Source: http://www.dynamo.ru/press-center/club_news/62946/

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Ovechkin gives post-game interview from Prague in English

Q.: Are you ready to stay here for a long time?

The answer is YES.

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Nicklas Bäckström and Alex Ovechkin at Dynamo's training facility.

Pavel Lysenkov @plysenkov

Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin in Novogorsk, at Dynamo home base.

I am Nicklas Bäckström, dressed in blue,
Here are the things I like to do.
Salute to my Captain,
"How have you been?"
Shake my hands with big Russian machine!



ХК Динамо Москва @dynamo_ru

Александр Овечкин и Никлас Бэкстрем в Новгороде на базе Динамо

Динамовец Бэкстром ха-ха...



More via @plysenkov, Dynamo's photo gallery:


Bauer is awesome...

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Gary Bettman Facebook conversation leaked.

Breaking: Gary Bettman Facebook conversation leaked.

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Nicklas Bäckström is flying to Moscow to join Ovechkin.

A good center is hard to find, but Ovi did. According to Russian newspaper Gazeta.ru Ovechkin was Dynamo's representative in the negotiations:

"I can confirm that both hockey players were in a close contact with each other and have been interested in playing for Dynamo," said Nicklas Bäckström's agent Gunnar Svensson. "Nicklas and I talked to Ovechkin several times, who actually represented Dynamo in negotiations."

Marie Lehmann ‏@svtlehmann

Nicklas Bäckström on going to the KHL: "Ovechkin's been calling since he came to Moscow. It'll be fun. I'm leaving today.

Gunnar Svensson also represents another Washington Capitals center Marcus Johansson, as well as Henrik Zettenberg of Detroit Red Wings.

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Maria Kirilenko spotted wearing a huge ring.

@TennisTerrasse:

Maria Kirilenko's huge ring - obviously Alex Ovechkin is the one who knows where to buy stuff :)

Ovechkin and Kirilenko at the Kremlin Cup party

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Ovechkin at the Kremlin Cup

Ovi is rooting for his girlfriend Maria at the Kremlin Cup:







Maria Kirilenko, Nadia Petrova vs. Carolina Plishkova, Christina Plishkova - 6:4, 4:6, 1:0 (11:9). Photos: Nikita Uspensky, "SE".



MOSCOW, October 17 (RIA Novosti) – Russia’s Maria Kirilenko confessed Wednesday that seeing her boyfriend Alex Ovechkin in the stands spurred her on to victory at the Kremlin Cup. The world No. 16 reached the second round of the singles and quarterfinal of the doubles on Wednesday, all under the gaze of the Washington Capitals star.

“Of course I’m happy that my boyfriend comes and supports me," said Kirilenko. "It boosts my emotions.”

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Nicklas Bäckström rumour "du jour"

SovSport.ru correspondent Ponomarenko writes:

There's a rumor talk about high-profile acquisition that would be officially announced any day. Ovechkin might get a center in swede Nicklas Bäckström who had also centered Alexander in Washington. So far Nicklas Bäckström spends lockout in Sweden. But Dynamo's head coach Znarok refused to confirm this information yesterday, "Bäckström? Well, you are way ahead of the pack! I myself still don't have a clue..."

Source: http://www.sovsport.ru/gazeta/article-item/560499

Dynamo lost in overtime to Sibir 2-3. Ovi was playing on a different line. He got an assist on a second goal by Dynamo at 57:55 (2-2), on a goal by Pestunov. The 8 games winning streak is over for Dynamo.

The head coach of Moscow Dynamo Oleg Znarok:

We wanted to get in the end the two points, but.. whatever happened had just happened. Nothing terrible, we will be ready for the next games. Again, their goalie played really well. Ovechkin played today on another line by our decision, and both lines scored.

"It was unpleasant defeat, of course, but what can you do... We fought to the end, and were able to recoup and even score in the end. We took one point, but I think we deserved more. It was the price of making two errors. We had a nice attitude, we went out there to play to win, but couldn't finish on our scoring chances. Especially in the third period, when we were in total control," said Ovechkin.

He went on to say about the latest round of negotiations between NHL and NHLPA, "I don't know much about the latest events in the NHL yet so it's difficult to talk about it. We'll wait and see if it would it be the end of the lockout or not." (Source Championat.ru)

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Kuznetsov's goal is number one of top ten in KHL

Top 10 KHL goals for the week ending 10/15/2012.

 

Caps prospect Yevgeny Kuznetsov's goal is number one.


Ten best goals of the week are as follows:

1. Evgeny Kuznetsov ("Tractor")

2. Evgeni Malkin ("Metallurg" Mg)

3. Alexander Giroux ("Dinamo" Riga)

4. Ilya Gorokhov / Yuri Babenko ("Dynamo")

5. Sergei Kostitsyn ("Vanguard")

6. Zbynek Irgl ("Dynamo" Minsk)

7. Jamie Johnson ("Dinamo" Riga)

8. Fedor Malykhin ("Motorist")

9. Mikko Myaenpya (CSKA Moscow)

10. Peter Podgradski ("Donbass")

KHL.RU

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Ovechkin and Kirilenko at the Kremlin Cup party

Ovechkin and Kirilenko arriving to the Kremlin Cup party. Photo SovSport.ru

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Dynamo wins, Ovi didn't score

Dynamo (Moscow) 4, Amur (Khabarovsk) 1 (0:0, 4:1, 0:0)

Dynamo wins 8th time in a row, but Ovi didn't register a single point. Even worse, the visitors scored when Ovi got 2 minute penalty.

Goals:
Babenko (Gorokhov), 23:35 (1:0).
Derlyuk (Anisin), 24:31 (2:0).
Tolpeko (Kokarev, flowers), 32:31 (3:0).
Hyutenen (Ozhiganov, Petruzhalek), 36:00 (3:1 PP).
Kvapil - 2 (Gorokhov), 37:57 (4:1).

"All right, we got two wins in two days," said Ovechkin to Gazeta.Ru correspondent. "We had good movement today, even better than in the previous game. Amur played well, especially in defense. The first goal which was orchestrated by​Gorokhov, gave us confidence and cracked in the opponent's defense."

Here's the link to the photo gallery of the game.

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Another win by Dynamo and Ovechkin's official KHL weight.

Moscow Dynamo has won their 7th game in row beating Nonokuznetsk Mettalurg 3-2. Ovi has registered one assist.

Goals: 1-0 Babenko (Shafigulin, Ovechkin, 6:17, pp). Shafigulin 2:0 (28:16). 3-0 Mosalev (Kvapil, 36:15). 3-1 Zhafyarov (Vyglazov, Chernykh, 54:08). 3-2 Bumagin (Kagarlitsky, Robitaille, 58:03).

What else? Former Capital player is playing for Mettalurg, and his name is... Chris Simon...


By the way, Ovechkin's weight, according to KHL.RU, is 218 lbs (99 kg). That is significant weight loss, 12 lbs! His height is 189 cm or 6'2.4". Last season official Capitals media guide had him at 6'3" and at 230 lbs.

Age Season  lbs G  A  Pts   McPhee's weights
19 2005/06: 212 52 54 106     
20 2006/07: ?   46 46  92     218
21 2007/08: ?   65 47 112     224
22 2008/09: 220 56 54 110     232
23 2009/10: 233 50 59 109     237
24 2010/11: 234 32 53  85     242
25 2011/12: 230 38 27  65     224
26 2012/13: 218 

Related posts:

Ovechkin's weight according to GMGM, March 1, 2012

Ovechkin's weight update, Sept 7, 2012

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Does Ovi miss NHL? You decide...

By hellpasso, sports.ru.

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More Ovi from Prague

Ovi was asked what he thinks about playing for Dynamo. He says that when he left Moscow Dynamo was a champion, and he came back to the team that is a champion (Dynamo won playoffs last season). That's why guys know how to play hockey and his job is not to break team's chemistry.

Czech journalist asks him in Russian what he thinks about his goal. Ovi says a goal was a goal, but the main thing the team had won.

A very good and politically correct answers, vintage Ovi.

Lev's head coach, "I can't say we have played bad."
Dynamo's head coach: "Our team played well. We got a bit lucky"



The idiots from RT put a headline "KHL is stronger than NHL" where Ovi jokes that without NHL (because of lockout) KHL is the best league.

...and more Ovi from Moscow...


Michael McFaul, U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
@McFaul:

Chatted with @ovi8 tonight. Great guy. Glad he is playing for Dynamo, but wish he was playing now with the Caps!

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Ovechkin scores GWG, Dynamo beats Lev 1-0.

 (H/t to RMNB)

This is Ovechkin's 4th goal in the KHL. He also has 5 assists. Ovi scored the goal at the beginning of the third period on the 41st minute.

Pavel Lysenkov @plysenkov:

16304 spectators now in Praha - the new attendance KHL record!

Here's Chara via NYT:

“It’s really nice to see so many fans show up, especially with someone like Ovi, who is always going to attract people,” said Chara, who played his second game with Lev Praha, an expansion franchise. “There’s not too many chances for people over here to see such great N.H.L. players.”

I really like what Chara said afterwards:

Eight years ago, we pretty much agreed to what the owners wanted,” he said. “Pretty much the whole system and the whole negotiations were done for their advantage. And now they’re saying it’s not working and it’s not something that they can go on with. “They’re trying to take even more, and I don’t think that’s right, I don’t think that’s fair and certainly it’s not healthy for the game

Bonus video: Ovechkin arrives to Bratislava

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Chara vs. Ovechkin, the matchup continues over the pond

Watch Lev vs. Dynamo Moscow on ESPN2 and ESPN3 Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 1:00 PM ET



What do we know about Lev? Lev means Lion in Slavic languages. Who from NHL is playing there?

23 forward Bartecko, Lubos 14.07.1976 Slovakia
21 forward Klepis, Jakub 05.06.1984 Czech Republic
12 forward Novotny, Jiri 12.08.1983 Czech Republic
33 defense Chara, Zdeno 18.03.1977 Slovakia
81 forward Hossa, Marcel 12.10.1981 Slovakia
41 defense Skoula, Martin 28.10.1979 Czech Republic

Obviously the most famous is Zdeno Chara. Poor Ovi has to play against him again. The happiness was so close, but Chara just signed. And Jakub Klepis is a former Capitals player.

USA Today, November 18, 2006:

"Jakub Klepis and Alexander Ovechkin had goals for the Capitals, who have lost a season-high three straight."

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Ovechkin gets goal and assist in Slovakia

Moscow Dynamo beat Bratislava Slovan on the road, in Slovakia. Alex Ovechkin scored one PP goal (14:49) and got one assist (5:36).


This is Ovi's 3rd goal in the KHL.


OvechkinMania in Bratislava:

Ovie gets more media in Bratislava, Slovakia than even in Canada! Wow!

EuroHockey.com:

Again there was a full house in Bratislava when the Slovakian KHL newcomers received Dynamo Moscow with their top lockout player Alexander Ovechkin. And the Russian forward who usually plays for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League, was a key player in the win of the Russians. First he gave an assist to Denis Kokarev at 05:36 before he did the second one himself in power play, assisted by Mikhail Anisin, still in the first period. The hosts were only dangerous through Miroslav Satan who twice cut the Dynamo lead but in the end the goal of Grigory Shafigulin at the begin of the third period turned out to be the game winner. For Dynamo it was the fifth consecutive win while Slovan lost three out of the last four matches.

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ESPN3 updated menu and schedule

ESPN3 finally updated the web site to include hockey in the menu.


ESPN:

ESPN will stream at least seven Kontinental Hockey League games on ESPN3, starting Oct. 9 and including the KHL All-Star Game.

The first game -- Lev vs. Dynamo Moscow on Oct. 9 at 1 p.m. ET -- also will air on ESPN2. Steve Levy and Barry Melrose will call the first game, which will re-air at 8 p.m. the same night on ESPN2.

In addition to Melrose and Levy, play-by-play announcer Paul Romanuk and analyst Aaron Murphy will call games.

Other games on the schedule include Dynamo Moscow vs. Amur (Sun., Oct. 13 at 9 a.m. ET), Dynamo Moscow vs. Sibir HD (Oct. 16, 11:30 a.m. ET), SKA vs. Sibir HD (Oct. 18, 11:45 a.m. ET), Dinamo Riga vs. Metallurg Mg (Oct. 22, 12:30 p.m. ET) and Dynamo Moscow vs. Dinamo Riga HD (Oct. 29, 11:30 a.m. ET).

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Want to play in KHL? Check with Kuzya first...

Kuzya enjoys staying in a 5 star hotel in Khabarovsk, haha...

Evgeny Kuznetsov @Kuzya92

Вот такие вот условия в Хабаровске....я такого не видел !

Such are the conditions here in Khabarovsk .... I have never seen this before!

I can envision 6'3" 230 lbs Ovi in this bed... LOL.

If you don't know where Khabarovsk is, here's the map:

Wikipedia:

Khabarovsk is home to a Kontinental Hockey League franchise, Amur Khabarovsk, which plays its home games at the Platinum Arena. It is the easternmost-based team in the league.

Notable people
...
Alexander Mogilny, hockey player
Evgeni Plushenko, Olympic figure skater
...

Update:

Our field investigative correspondent Emily reports live from Khabarovsk: allhockey.ru/news/131930 Weasely young lad, is Kuzya.

HC Tractor forward Yevgeny Kuznetsov talked about the photo from Khabarovsk hotel room and said that it was just a joke.

"First of all I want to apologize to the management and staff of the hotel, to the hockey club Amur and to the KHL for my bad joke. In this case I really crossed the line and do not disavow any responsibility for the deed," said Kuznetsov.

According to him, he spent less than an hour in a hotel room from which the picture was taken. "At the first request we were given another room. Personally I spent the night in a single luxury room, so the receiving party did fulfill our demands."

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KHL TV Manager: "We are Martians to Americans"

"The game from Megasport (Dynamo vs. Ak Bars) won't be shown in North America," said the manager of KHL TV projects Natalia Tchaikovsky to SE correspondent Alexander Rogulev. "The day before we had a technical test, everything was fine. But the American side somehow forgot to tell us that they didn't have a commentator. It is morning in US now and they don't have enough time to find a commentator for the broadcast. Besides, there were a number of technical issues, which ESPN could not execute in time. Instead ESPN will choose another game for broadcast. We, on our side, have fulfilled all obligations."

Have you tried to offer your own commentator who speaks English?
During negotiations we came out with such a proposal, but our colleagues refused. We had a person who is fluent in English. But ESPN, unlike other colleagues from the Czech Republic and other countries, have asked us to leave the sound track in Russian. Apparently they will have someone on there who will translate it and explain to the local team what's going on.

Can you tell us how it all started? 
The negotiations began on the day when the NHL officially announced a lockout. It was clear that it would happen, so about two weeks before the Americans started the first cautious inquiries. Turning first to the league directly, but we have decided to use our international agency responsible for broadcasting of all of our events abroad. We were negotiating throughout the second half of September. You know how it is; one side wants to pay as little as possible, the other to sell the product to be profitable. In the end everyone got what they wanted.

How ESPN gets the KHL feed? 
The mechanism is as follows; the channel selects matches from our international package, which includes the games of the highest quality. Obviously, ESPN will give preference to the games with the NHL stars. We will work through the European satellite, just like with our other international partners. As of now they selected five games and then will go with our international package. It is unclear how often KHL will appear on the channel; once a week, twice or even more often... There is only the guaranteed amount, which we will receive regardless of how many games will be shown.

Can you tell how much it is? 
No, we can't give the specific figure. I can only say that from the moment ESPN contacted us the amount has increased significantly. We immediately rejected the first offer from the Americans, and then we received much more interesting version.

What are your feelings, how many viewers will be overseas? 
I have no illusions about it. You have to understand that to American we are Martians, and arenas, in which we play, are Martians too. In the U.S. they are raised with love to their country from the childhood, and they only care about their own product. And the broadcast will be on ESPN3 which works in Live mode. That means that broadcast on theie local time will be in the morning.

Why there are no games with Malkin and Gonchar? 
Game selection is an exclusive prerogative of ESPN. But for my part I will do everything possible to discourage broadcast from Magnitogorsk. It's because the quality of broadcast is catastrophically horrible. These games are not included in the package that we offer abroad. Unfortunately, we can't do anything on the regions level. And if in other cities there is a movement to ensure that it would a good product, Magnitogorsk still broadcast a black-and-green feed. If in America they will any game it will be only on the road.

Do you think the KHL is ready to enter the market seriously? The pictures of old arenas with half-empty stands can seriously affect the reputation of the league. 
We just don' include poor quality games into our international package. What we show abroad is only what we are not ashamed to show. This is a product that we, "Russia 2" or our foreign partners in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Latvia and Belarus do. Or what produces NTV Plus on our order. These are our the best directors and commentators.

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Динамо Москва 2, Ак Барс Казань 0.

Moscow Dynamo beat Ak Bars 2-0. Alex Ovechkin had assist on a second goal by Janne Jalasvaara.

The game was not shown on ESPN3 as it was announced, but it was used to test the transmission; broadcasts will start this weekend.

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Moscow Dynamo on ESPN3 October 3, 7 and 9.

Via SovSport.ru:

The Kontinental Hockey League has reached an agreement with the American sports channel ESPN about showing the games of the 2012/2013 season. The games will be broadcast in the United States, in the territories under the control of the U.S. government, as well as in the UK, through the internet channel ESPN3, available in more than 73 million households in the U.S.. In the first 10 days of October ESPN will show live five KHL games.

On October 3 the viewers will see Moscow Dynamo and Ak Bars,
on October 6 Lev vs. SKA,
on October 7 Slovan vs. Dynamo (Moscow),
on October 8 CSKA (Moscow) vs. SKA and
on October 9 Lev vs. Dynamo (Moscow).


Source: http://www.sovsport.ru/news/text-item/556005

Wow, we'll see Ovechkin on October 3, 7 and 9.

Here's a link to ESPN3, but they don't even have hockey in their menu... yet.

But wait, here is more! :-) Good news for Bruins fans, Zdeno Chara will play for KHL's Lev and they can see him on October 9 vs. Ovechkin.

USA Today:

11:48AM EST October 2. 2012 - Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara has agreed to play for Prague in the Kontinental Hockey League until the NHL resumes competition.

His agent, Matt Keator, told USA TODAY Sports that Chara had several options, but decided that Lev Praha (Prague Lions) was the best fit.

"He has friends there, and it's within hours of his home in Slovakia and it's a great hockey city," Keator said.

What a nightmare for Ovi, haha.

Meanwhile watch Ovechkin's PP goal vs. Neftekhimik:

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Ovechkin scores vs Neftekhimik

Ovechkin recorded goal and assist, Dynamo destroyed Neftekhimik 5:1. This is second goal by Ovechkin in the KHL.

Go, Ovi!



Moscow Dynamo 5, Neftekhimik 1. Alexander Ovechkin's parents and his brother Mikhail watched the game from the stands. Photo by Alexander Fedorov, "SE"

Watch Ovechkin's PP goal vs. Neftekhimik:



The number one overall pick Nail Yakupov has been cleared to play for KHL team Neftekhimik, but he was not in lineup against Ovechkin's team. Here's short excerpt from SovSport.ru:

Q.: Nail, why are you not on the ice? So many people were fighting for your "freedom", but you are not in the list for the game...
Nail: As for me, I am ready. But the coach knows better. I've trained well. I hope that I will get my turn in the next game. I really want to play! I am skipping second game in a row. It is a pity that I can't play against Dynamo. It would be awesome to play with Ovechkin! But no worries, it's hockey. I have no hard feelings towards my coaches. I can still make it up.

At this point the siren sounds, announcing the end of the first period. The players are rushing past us to the locker room. Alexander Ovechkin, who by this time has already managed to get an assist, slaps Yakupov on the back, smiling broadly, "How are you?"

"Everything is fine," reports Nail. And, turning to me, adds, "Wow! He knows... So what are we talking about?

Source: http://www.sovsport.ru/gazeta/article-item/555868


Update from Sports.ru:

It was felt that Dynamo's victory was the easy one.
Yes, I'd agree with you. It was very significant that our goalie Yeremenko had played very well. We scored on every scoring chance we had. Everything went well for us.

Are you happy with your game?
I could've played better. Unfortunately I've spent most of the time on the bench, we had a lot of penalties.

Why there were so many penalties?
It's hard to say. But most of the penalties were stupid.

You've played for two shifts in a row on power play. Was it hard?
No, it's okay. That's my job.

Ovechkin had total ice time of 14 minutes 44 seconds and scored one goal on power play.

Ovi scores at @4:12

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Celebrate goal like Ovechkin!

Move like Jagger, celebrate Ovechkin style...
 
Photo courtesy Nick Wass/Associated Press

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