Alexander Ovechkin v. The World

[The Fisher Account]

If a dictator had the ability to murder all my friends and family I'd probably keep their picture on my Instagram as well.

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by The Fisher Account

If a dictator had the ability to murder all my friends and family I'd probably keep their picture on my Instagram as well.

I think it’s pretty generally accepted that Ovi is a believer in Putin and that Ukraine is run by Nazis.

Zadorov is not a Putin boot licker.

[Derek Sutton]

Ovi posting on Instagram that his father has passed away. RIP Ovi Sr.

[midniteowl]

Originally Posted by Derek Sutton

Ovi posting on Instagram that his father has passed away. RIP Ovi Sr.

RIP Ovi Sr. Condolences to Alex and family and friends.

[greyshep]

Sorry to hear about personal family loss. Not sorry to hear he may be taking some new heat for his support of an evil dictator. He should just stay in Russia, may as well join the conscripts since his views are so aligned.

[T-Dog]

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/alex-o...utin-1.6726430

[zamler]

If Ovechkin was not an NHL player how would he be treated? Since we know the answer, how does being a superstar hockey player insulate him?

[chedder]

Originally Posted by zamler

If Ovechkin was not an NHL player how would he be treated? Since we know the answer, how does being a superstar hockey player insulate him?

The same way superstar hockey players get insulated from sexual assault charges.

Fame and money gives them preferential treatment in almost all aspects of society.

[Huntingwhale]

OV fanboys (and I was one myself) are so desperate to see him break the goal scoring record, that it doesn't matter what he says or does. Any excuse will be found under the guise of "no politics in sport" to justify not calling him out. I always knew he was very pro-Russian, anti-Ukraine, and that article posted above put any doubts I had to rest. If he was just your everyday Putin-supporting Russian he'd be lumped in with the rest of them. Instead, because he's scoring goals and his record is bringing attention to the sport, he gets a free "pass".

I still don't buy his statement about having a target on his back. Every time that topic comes up, the "other" forum has posted quite a few articles about him and his family from overseas vacationing together in Miami and other US destinations. Doesn't sound like the guy is so worried about his family. If he was, the second they step foot on US soil, they should be applying for asylum right away. After all, they made it safe and sound, right? Not sure why it's so hard for some people to grasp that he's a Putin supporter and anti-Ukrainian. Goal scoring shouldn't make an exception in someone's mind, yet it does.

The last thing I'll say about this topic is that I used to care that he broke the goal scoring record because it would be super cool to see. But knowing what I know now about him, I couldn't care less. Gretzky also has UA blood in him, so would rather see him keep it TBH. But I guess it would be cool to see him break it. He's so damn close.

[PepsiFree]

I don’t see a lot of desperation from people who don’t care that he’s friends with Putin, I just see people not caring that he’s friends with Putin. It’s not difficult. If there’s desperation, it’s people from people who can’t seem to ignore him or the fact that people are cheering for him.

His views are as relevant to his goal scoring record as any individual makes it. But, at a certain point, people are going to have to figure out if they’re trying to convince other people not to like Ovechkin or if they’re trying to convince themselves, because it seems like the people most passionate about the topic are “former” Ovechkin fans as opposed to current and never-was.

[jayswin]

I see it as pretty equal myself. Many upset that anyone dares mention political issues in favour of just being excited about his record attempt and many others that can't believe people aren't taking it into consideration.

Russia vs Ukraine is a major conflict and just so upsetting, so I'm okay with it being slightly divisive and front and centre in a sports discussion over an athlete, imo, no big deal. Not quite sure where I stand, personally as I've always loved Ovi but am struggling badly with this. That's life though. Our "that's life" is getting butt hurt over who has what opinion and gatekeeping athlete discussion. Their "that's life" is wondering if they're in the line of fire on any given day.

Life is difficult for many and sports is an escape for many, and sometimes those worlds cross over and it's a little contentious. That's okay.

[activeStick]

Sounds like OV returned to Washington and participated in practice today. Back to his race to pass 99!

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

I don’t see a lot of desperation from people who don’t care that he’s friends with Putin, I just see people not caring that he’s friends with Putin. It’s not difficult. If there’s desperation, it’s people from people who can’t seem to ignore him or the fact that people are cheering for him.

His views are as relevant to his goal scoring record as any individual makes it. But, at a certain point, people are going to have to figure out if they’re trying to convince other people not to like Ovechkin or if they’re trying to convince themselves, because it seems like the people most passionate about the topic are “former” Ovechkin fans as opposed to current and never-was.

I was an Ovechkin fan since before he was in the NHL. Loved the way he played like a bull in a china shop.



I'm torn on calling myself a "former" Ovechkin fan, but stuff like this is pushing me over the edge:

This claim is at the heart of the entire story: the idea that if Ovechkin or any of the other players were to criticize Putin or the invasion, there would be terrible consequences for their families in Russia.
But Malamud says there's no evidence of that.

Malamud offers the example of singer Alla Pugacheva, a beloved star and arguably Russia's biggest celebrity for the past 50 years, who left Russia to live in Israel when the invasion began.
Soon after, she and her almost equally famous husband, comedian Maxim Galkin, began criticizing the war.

"[She] comes out and says very unambiguously in the first months of the war, 'This is a crime. We shouldn't be doing this. This is horrible.' Ovechkin can't do it?"

There are other examples of Russian celebrities and sports figures speaking out against the war without known consequences for their families.

Ovi is a believer. He has bought all the propaganda sold to him. Very likely believes that to restore Russia's greatness, they have to restore the Soviet Union and/or the Russian Empire.



Hard for me to remain a fan of his and cheer his goals like I used to.

[TheIronMaiden]

Ovechkin is on pace for 22 goals this year, which might leave at 844 by the end of the season. He will need another 50 if he is going to beat the Weiner. In other words 3 more seasons after this one.

I think he does it, I know it looks like he's lost a step ( he has) but any team would love the publicity, and playing until your 41 is not totally unheard of.

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden

Ovechkin is on pace for 22 goals this year, which might leave at 844 by the end of the season. He will need another 50 if he is going to beat the Weiner. In other words 3 more seasons after this one.

I think he does it, I know it looks like he's lost a step ( he has) but any team would love the publicity, and playing until your 41 is not totally unheard of.

Also, he can still go on a heater and really improve the projected pace

[rohara66]

Wonder if he's hurt or just heartbroken that all his comrades (Backstrom and Oshie) are falling off a cliff.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Bonded

Also, he can still go on a heater and really improve the projected pace

Yeah...which he's been known to do.

Get that PP clicking and he can start potting them in droves.

[TheIronMaiden]

Yeah, I can see him being a PP mercenary to finish his career, kind of like Iggie,

[butterfly]

Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden

Ovechkin is on pace for 22 goals this year, which might leave at 844 by the end of the season. He will need another 50 if he is going to beat the Weiner. In other words 3 more seasons after this one.

I think he does it, I know it looks like he's lost a step ( he has) but any team would love the publicity, and playing until your 41 is not totally unheard of.

I bet he gets 30+.

Their PP is 5.66% right now. The Flames PP is twice as good as it, for perspective. It will regress.

[Enoch Root]

I think his window is closing.