Alex Ovechkin makes his thoughts clear about Russia's exclusion at the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament
Photo credit: NHL
Team Canada is gearing up for a thrilling showdown against Team USA tonight, and the stage is set for an epic 4 Nations Face-Off final between these two hockey titans. That said, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin hasn't been tuning in, expressing clear resentment over Russia's exclusion.
Its no secret that the Russians have been banned from most major sports competitions due to their conflict with the Ukraine.
Despite the ban, Alexander still feels a compelling desire to participate in international events, especially has he has entered the twilight of his career.
According to Blade of Steel, Ovechkin recently opened up on Russia's omission, stating that he has no interest in watching the tournament without his home country competing.
"What's the point of watching something where the Russian team doesn't participate"
-Alex Ovechkin
-Alex Ovechkin
On paper, the Russians would have one of the strongest teams in the tournament with stars like Ovechkin, Nikita Kucherov, Kirill Kaprizov, Igor Shesterkin and many others. And with the 2026 Olympics upcoming, they would be a major threat to take gold.
The next scheduled meeting to determine Russia and Belarus's eligibility for the 2025-26 season is set for May of next year.
The NHL will participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy so the IIHF's 2025 decision will play a large role in determining whether or not Ovechkin plays for an Olympic medal again during the final year on his NHL contract with the Washington Capitals.
While the whole world will be tuning into tonight's final, Alexander Ovechkin will not be one of them.
source: Blade of Steel
