Washington superstar Alex Ovechkin says he still plans to play in Pyeongchang
Posted Apr 4, 2017 02:03:12 PM.
Last Updated Apr 4, 2017 02:12:21 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO – Russian superstar Alex Ovechkin still plans to play in the 2018 Winter Olympics, even if it means leaving his Washington Capitals in the middle of the NHL season.
The Capitals captain has maintained that he will represent his country in South Korea, and he says the NHL’s announcement Monday that it would not participate in the Games didn’t change his mind.
While a statement from the league called the matter “closed,” Ovechkin suggests the NHL could be bluffing.
Several players, including Montreal goaltender Carey Price and Ottawa defenceman Erik Karlsson, condemned the NHL’s decision.
Ovechkin is one of the game’s biggest stars and has represented Russia internationally 22 times, including three Olympic Games.
He addressed the issue with reporters before tonight’s Capitals-Maple Leafs game in Toronto.