Ovechkin lashed out at Hasek: I don’t care about his statements. I wish they wouldn’t sanction the Russians anywhere

Dominik Hasek has been harshly criticizing the NHL for letting Russian players play since the start of the Russian war in Ukraine. He also took a swipe at Alexander Ovechkin, who is a known admirer of Vladimir Putin. The Washington captain has now hit back.

These are great NHL legends, but they probably won’t get together for coffee. Dominik Hasek and Alexander Ovechkin couldn’t be more different.

The Russian forward is a well-known supporter of President Vladimir Putin, whom he also did propaganda for during the annexation of Crimea in 2014, and he has a profile picture with Putin on Instagram, where he is followed by over 1.6 million fans.

After the war began, he was much criticised for taking down the photo and not condemning Russian aggression in Ukraine. “He’s my president, but I’m not a politician, I’m a sportsman,” the veteran striker defended himself at the time.

Dominik Hasek, one of the NHL’s most legendary goaltenders, couldn’t understand that, calling Ovechkin a “liar and a pussy.” The Nagano Olympic champion has long criticized the NHL for allowing Russian players to start, which he sees as Putin’s propaganda.

Ovechkin has remained silent so far, but he has not forgiven himself for his response. “I don’t care much about Hasek’s statements. NHL clubs select players by skill and ability, not by nationality,” he told Russian news server Izvestia.

Ovechkin also has a clear answer to the question why the NHL does not succumb to political pressure and does not sanction Russian hockey players. “It’s excellent. I wish it was like that everywhere,” said the author of 822 goals in the NHL.

Hasek continues his fight against Russian aggression. He has been very active on Twitter, whereupon NHL boss Gary Bettman has already responded to him.

Source: Izvestija