The following is a partial transcript of Alexander Ovechkin's interview on YouTube channel "BodyCheck," conducted by Daria Mironova and Pavel Lysenko. It should be noted, that of the public personalities in Russian hockey, Ovechkin rarely sits down for long interviews and does so only with journalists he trusts. His recent media silence on the Kuznetsov situation is proof that he is very careful with the media. The interviewer's questions will be in italics.
Promises. Olympics
When I said that I was going to the Winter Olympics in 2018, I meant it with all my heart. I had an agreement with [Capitals owner] Ted Leonsis. He told me: "We're letting you go, no problem."
The problem came from the NHL and the IIHF, which stopped me and other from playing in Pyongyang. So I could have gone, but as a fan. What would have been the point of that? We watched the games on TV and rooted our teams on.
I was hurt and disappointed that I didn't get support from other players. There were some who said that they wanted to go, but when the time came they hid in the bushes, they stuck their heads in the sand. No support.
I don't think I was blowing hot air when I said I intended to go. I did everything possible, got the organization's [Caps] approval. What could I do when the IIHF tells you that you can't play? Your plans are done at that point.
As for Beijing 2022 Olympics? A lot depends on the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The league and the Players Association have to come to some sort of accommodation. We'll see how it goes. My contract is up in 2021. I'll think on it and make my decision.
Politics, Putin, and Panarin
I have no regrets about forming Putin Team. (Ovechkin formed the non-profit dedicated to supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin in November of 2017. The organization claims credit for organizing events for children, the elderly, teachers, and sports fans in order to increase patriotic pride and respect for Mr. Putin.) I'm quite happy about it. I respect my President. But just talking politics in public is pointless. Some talk, and some take action, right? It's better to do than to talk.
Do you think the media sometimes provokes, fans the flames, sics people on each other? [Even before Panarin's controversial interview, wherein he criticized Putin] there were people who were trying to get him to leave the Blue Jackets after the season and come to the KHL?
That's your job, isn't it? Again, you're asking me about Panarin. Each person has their own opinion. If you want to, you can express it. Or don't. Doesn't matter.
If you end up playing for the Russian national team and you have to room with Panarin, what will you talk about?
We'll play chess.
Have you heard rumours that after your hockey career ends, you're destined to become Russia's Minister of Sport, at the very least?
For that, you need age and specific experience. You can't just come in and say "I'm a Minister now." You need the trust of the people, and experience.
Haters, Malamud, parents
(This section requires a special introduction of the background. Even before the formation of Putin Team, Ovechkin's relationship with the President has been a close one. He claims that he even has Putin's personal phone number. In 2014, when Russia invaded Donbass, a territory that belonged to Ukraine and established the Donetsk People's Republic, Ovechkin openly spoke in support of Putin's actions. This put him at odds with a well-known North American based hockey correspondent of the Russian newspaper/website Sport Express, Slava Malamud. Malamud began criticizing Ovechkin and his then-teammate and friend Alexander Semin for their stance. The Capitals organization revoked his press pass. According to Malamud, this was done at Ovechkin's behest.
After that, Malamud stepped up the attacks. After parting ways with Sport Express in November of 2014, his Twitter attacks became more direct and brutal.
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Then, in May of 2018, came the most vicious tweet in the one-sided tweet war. The tweet itself was deleted quickly, but a screenshot survived the purge.
Malamud is still a hockey journalist working in the U.S. He writes for the IIHF website. His feed is followed by major hockey-related journalists and pundits. In addition, he delves into politics in his blog, slavadoesamerica.com. But back to Ovechkin. )
I don't pay any attention to haters. There are negative people around, but a lot of positive people as well. If you read and listen to everyone, you can go nuts. I try not to.
One journalist you're familiar with [Malamud], wrote very clearly that he wished you dead. Do you let things like that go, or does it sting?
I know who you are referring to. The man had his press credentials revoked, and rightly so. He didn't just write insults, but the ramblings of a mad man. I had no idea what he was going on about.
People like that, I don't want them in my life. They can say whatever they want to say. What goes around, comes around. And when it does, he will be thinking: "Why did I deserve this?"
Do you worry about your parents when these things happen? They might take it close to heart.
Of course they do! "If he dies tomorrow..." How do you even say that? It's not even about respect, it's about you sinking so low. This person is dead to me, even though I enjoyed a good relationship many years ago.
Svechnikov fight, playoff intensity, personal favorite
I wouldn't change anything about that moment. Doesn't matter who you fight; this is the playoffs. You have no friends, no countrymen. You fight for the chance to lift the Stanley Cup over your head. If there is an obstacle in the way, you have to get through it somehow.
You can't let up in the playoffs, when it could cost us a series. It's not even about beating a guy down, knocking him out. It's just the adrenaline pumping, the emotions overwhelming you.
Who gave you the most unforgettable lessons in career and in life?
Sergei Fedorov, I think. To this day. His professionalism, behaviour, his attitude towards hockey. What a legend!
He knows me, he knows my style. When we played against each other, he even took some hits from me. When he speaks and says something good about you, it's a great thing to hear.
