WORLD HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP
Ovechkin Joins Squad, But Remains on Hold
|
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
Alex Ovechkin joined the Russian squad in advance of the world hockey championship and was awaiting insurance before he will be allowed to practice or play.
The Russian Ice Hockey Federation will be responsible for insuring Ovechkin and the 13-year, $124 million contract he signed with the Washington Capitals earlier this year.
Ovechkin, 22, said he is eager to get on the ice, and is optimistic everything will be taken care of before the tournament opens Friday.
"I came here to play with my team," Ovechkin said yesterday. "When you don't know if you're going to play or not, it's a hard situation. I'm waiting, that's what I have to do -- just wait."
The Russians hope to atone for a disappointing showing at the world championship last year in Moscow. Ovechkin was part of that team, which won bronze after being upset by Finland in the semifinals.
Ovechkin and the Capitals were eliminated in the first round of the NHL playoffs last week by the Philadelphia Flyers. In his third NHL season, Ovechkin posted MVP-caliber statistics, with a league-best 65 goals and 47 assists. Last week, Capitals Coach Bruce Boudreau said Ovechkin was nursing an injury for the final month of the season, but Boudreau would not specify the nature or location of his ailment.
-- From News Services and Staff Reports
