The whole OV/Putin topic has been beaten to death at this point. This photo tells all you need to know.
I mean common, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to know
exactly who he is talking about. In case someone doesn't know, yes it's Ukrainians he is talking about. His parents are both highly decorated russian olympic athletes who have personal relationships with putin. His entire family are sports' heroes back home. The russian government has been using sports icons for years to help spread their propoganda. So yes, he supports putin and the war. That's not really debateable with the evidence shown to us. It's not that hard to put aside hockey feelings and to accept he simply is that kind of person. The world is full of them.
Personally for me this goal scoring record has been soured for a few years now. OV used to be my favorite player since the day I saw him playing in Dynamo Moscow. As exciting as it was to see Crosby about to break into the league, I was so much more hyped for OV. What a special player he is. I was so happy when I saw him win the cup and I'm still glad he did.
If you are able to differentiate between the hockey player and his political views, than it's easy to cheer him on to break the record. It's like your favorite musical artist who makes amazing music, but is a jackass in real life. OV is pretty much like that for me now. It will be cool to see him break the record, but also part of me will smile if he doesn't. I am torn about being so complacent about probably the best record in all of hockey. But it is what it is.