The 4 Nations Face-Off has been an enormous win for the NHL, however with out the Russian crew collaborating, Alexander Ovechkin has made it clear that he is not watching as he continues to marketing campaign for one final shot on the worldwide stage earlier than the tip of his profession.
The 4 Nations has been the spotlight of the sports activities world this previous week, and whereas there have been critics heading into the match, followers have been raving about it, with the return of the NHL to the worldwide stage being a giant hit.
Nevertheless, notably, Russia is omitted from the match. And whereas the explanations behind it are comprehensible, that does not make everybody comfortable.
One such individual is Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, who lately opened up on Russia’s omission, stating that he has no real interest in watching the match with out his residence nation competing.
On paper, the Russians would have one of many strongest groups within the match with stars like Ovechkin, Nikita Kucherov, Kirill Kaprizov, Igor Shesterkin and lots of others. And with the 2026 Olympics upcoming, they might be a serious risk to take gold.
Nevertheless, in mild of the nation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, nobody would settle for Russia into the 4 Nations.
The return of Russia to worldwide play would strengthen issues mightily general. With groups comparable to Czechia, Switzerland and Germany additionally set to affix the sphere, issues are going to warmth up in a giant means transferring ahead.
This text first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.
