Despite being in Russia, Evgeny Kuznetsov has stayed on top of the news and recently shared his hopes that Alex Ovechkin, his teammate for 11 seasons with the Washington Capitals, has a speedy recovery from injury.
While speaking to Sport-Express, the SKA St. Petersburg forward reacted to Ovechkin’s fibula fracture in his native Russian and shared an optimistic message for his former line-mate.
“Sashka, come on, don’t worry! Your leg will heal, everything will be fine,” Kuznetsov said as translated by Google Translate. “I know you. A four-week break will only make you feel better. You’ll have a rest, (be) fresh.”
Kuznetsov continued, “Well, if not this year, then next year you’ll definitely beat [Wayne Gretzky’s goals record]! So come on, brother, all the best. Get well. Sit at home.”
At the time of his injury, Ovechkin was at 868 goals, 26 shy of Gretzky’s high-water mark, after scoring five times in two games. While Ovechkin has stayed off the ice, he has remained active, watching a Washington Wizards game courtside and joining the Capitals on their road trip this week.
As for Kuznetsov, he’s seen a renaissance with SKA after beginning the KHL season slowly. The 2018 Stanley Cup champion has 22 points (9g, 13a) in 25 games, good for 22nd in KHL points. He recently went viral after scoring a Michigan-like goal from the slot.
“I would have said more funny things (to Ovechkin), but television, you know, is not really possible,” Kuznetsov said joking “I’m a respectable, confident person now. Good health, hello to everyone. Bye bye!”
