Photo: Russian Hockey Federation
Friday afternoon, Washington Capitals Russians Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and Dmitry Orlov arrived safely in Moscow, home of the 2016 World Championship. Dressed from head to toe in nationalistic Team Russia gear, each Capital met with the media and talked about their disappointing finish to their NHL season.
“We are going to try to make up for the unfortunate showing in the NHL by winning the tournament and showing good hockey,” Alex Ovechkin said as translated by Igor Kleyner. “Of course it’s disappointing. But we’ll think about it later. Right now al the thoughts are about the Worlds. We will do everything to win.”
The three Capitals also laid flowers at the monument dedicated to the Proletarsky District Militia, in honor of the 71st anniversary of Victory Day which was celebrated Sunday.
Afterwards, the Caps practiced with Team Russia. Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov skated with Sergei Plotnikov (with Alexander Burmistrov as an extra skater).
Naturally, they took silly photos.
Evgeny Kuznetsov could be seen chatting Pavel Datsyuk up.
Dmitry Orlov was asked about becoming a restricted free agent this summer.
“I don’t think about it,” Orlov said. “I only think about playing hockey. I like Washington.”
All three Caps are expected to play against Switzerland tomorrow. Russia is coming off of a 10-1 victory over Denmark. Russia is 3-1 in group play and currently in second place of Group A.
Additional Photos
Thanks to Olga Fedorova for sending me the links.
