Washington Capitals forwards Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin have been one of the most dynamic duos in the NHL for years and have enjoyed a close relationship off the ice as well. However, the two decided not to discuss certain things together.
Backstrom recently said in an interview with Express that he and the Capitals captain are avoiding discussing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“Ovi and I decided we weren’t going to talk about politics and what’s going on (over there),” Backstrom said. “The same goes for the Washington locker room. Nobody talks about it. »
Ovechkin faced controversy following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in late February. In 2017, Ovechkin formed a movement called “Team Putin” to support Russian President Vladimir Putin. The star left winger’s Instagram profile picture also features him and Putin together. Reports indicated that Ovechkin was going to change it to a peace symbol, but was advised to keep it as is for the safety of his family, who remained in Russia while Ovechkin was in the United States finishing the 2021 campaign -22.
READ MORE ON WHEN: Could the Washington Capitals consider signing PK Subban?
At a press conference in Philadelphia after the Russian invasion, Ovechkin promoted world peace and called for “no more war.”
“Please, no more war. It doesn’t matter who participates in the war. Russia, Ukraine, different countries. I think we live in the world, as if we should live in a peaceful world and a great world,” Ovechkin said in February.
The team currently has two other Russians on the roster in Evgeny Kuznetsov And Dmitry Orlov. Ilya Samsonov was also on the team, but left for the Toronto Maple Leafs this offseason. In the system there are multiple Russian prospects including Alexander AlexeyevBogdan Trineyev and the 2022 first round selection Ivan Miroshnichenko.
Backstrom also commented on the ongoing war, which has been going on since the initial invasion.
“What’s happening there is really terrible,” says Backstrom added. “Children, adults and innocent people are suffering. »
