Russia's NHL hero Alex Ovechkin has a rare chance to hit Putin where it hurts

[Uncle Joe]

(snip)

It’s easy to imagine the smirk the Russian leader allowed himself at the sight of his new gladiatorial champion playing in front of adoring fans in DC of all places – the next year Ovechkin even hoisted the Stanley Cup for the Capitals. But it’s just as easy to picture Putin’s fury over Ovechkin’s comments following Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine last week.

(snip)

“Well, he is my president,” the 36-year-old Ovechkin told a press conference a few days ago. “But how I said, I am not in politics. I am an athlete and you know, how I said, I hope everything is going to be done soon. It’s a hard situation right now for both side and everything. Everything, I hope, is going to end. I’m not in control of the situation.

“Please, no more war.”

(snip)

A stronger stance from Ovechkin and his compatriots in the NHL could hurt Putin’s support among the kind of Russians who do not read dissident media but take pride in their country’s international hockey pedigree. They may even start to question the “special military operation” in Ukraine.

(snip)


https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/mar/01/alex-ovechkin-vladimir-putin-ukraine-war-nhl-hockey-russia

[JustAnotherGen]

1. He could be deported

He needs to come out strong on this.

My husband was a green card holder from 1973 until last November. When he and his family lived here in the 70's to early 80's - and then when he came back in 2001 -

He know it was PRIVILEGE not a right to be able to work, live, and pay taxes with 'papers' - especially as an Italian immigrant and the derogatory slur that was directed at them for decades.


He needs to show he deserves to be here and believes in our values. If not- pull his Visa or Green card - and he can go.

[gab13by13]

2. Fuck Ovetchkin, I'm with Hasek.

Ovetchkin and Putin are good buddies. What about all of the other Russian hockey players, do they get a pass?

[Thunderbeast]

3. NHL referees should put him in the penalty box

every time his skates touch ice.

I know...Not fair...but a lefty hockey fan can dream...

[Jerry2144]

5. As well as

A VGK fan.


I agree. Deport any Russian NHL skater. They can return when Ukraine is free and the Russians are paying restoration

[Pachamama]

4. Send him home

If Ovechkin can’t flat out denounce the War and Putin then let him head home.