Alex Ovechkin is continuing to provide content to promote the upcoming “Match of the Year” charity game.
After previously naming several Russian players when asked questions centered more on off-the-ice activities, Ovechkin has done another Q&A focused more on their on-ice talents.
The video, posted by the exhibition game’s Instagram account, sees Ovechkin tasked with creating the ultimate Russian player by selecting six players based on their best on-ice attributes.
Transcript
Translation by Google Translate
Q. Who has the best shot?
Alex Ovechkin: Semin.
Q. The best skating?
Alex Ovechkin: Kucherov.
Q. Strength?
Alex Ovechkin: Artyukhin.
Q. Passing?
Alex Ovechkin: Datsyuk.
Q. The best wrist shot?
Alex Ovechkin: Let’s take Malych (Evgeni Malkin).
Q. Who is the best in defense?
Alex Ovechkin: There’s a man (Mikhail Sergachev) sitting there.
Most of Ovechkin’s selections are self-explanatory, with former teammate Alex Semin consistently showcasing one of the deadliest shots in the NHL during his 11-season career, Nikita Kucherov‘s clever maneuvering around the ice to get into high-danger scoring areas, Pavel Datsyuk’s certified magic hands, Evgeni Malkin’s 533 career goals, and Mikhail Sergachev’s ability to lead a defense corps.
However, some hockey fans may raise their eyebrows at Ovechkin’s inclusion of Evgeny Artyukhin for his strength. Artyukhin, a 2001 third-round pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning, played just three total seasons in the NHL with the Lightning, Anaheim Ducks, and Atlanta Thrashers. The Moscow native, who once also played in the AHL with the Hershey Bears, was a hulking presence on the ice, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 254 pounds.
The Match of the Year is set to be played on July 25 at SKA Arena, the home rink of KHL club SKA Saint Petersburg. Ovechkin has participated in the previous two charity games, which have featured NHL stars taking on KHL players.
