'I'll ask Trump when the relationship with Russia is going to be fixed'. Q&A with Alexander Ovechkin
– First of all, congrats from all Sport-Express readers – you just set the record for the points for Russian players. That’s really cool. We’re all very proud of you.
Tell me, when you were moving to NHL in 2005, could you even imagine that you set such a record? If someone would tell you it’s going to happen, would you believe it?
– Of course, I wouldn't have believed in that. But I try to play my best all the time. Everyone who comes to America wants to show their best – it's understandable. But the results are really unexpected for me, cause my first NHL season was all ups and downs. Although I finished it as a rookie of the year. And scored 50 goals. Then I thought if I keep playing that good I can really achieve something. But it went even better. I became one of the leaders of the team. All my teammates were always ready to help me in my game and personal aspects.
– I’ve just read your interview on the NHL.com and was shocked that you always mention the word 'lucky' to describe yourself. As for me, you’re very talented and hard working. So why do you say 'lucky'?
– I am really lucky, cause I have that opportunity to play in Washington. Capitals just started a rebuild when I came. And there was an intention to make me a central figure of the Caps. When our team signed players, they signed guys who could help me to grow as a hockey player. I call myself lucky, cause they chose me as number 1 pick at the draft. Cause I started to play for team Russia being just 17. Hard working is very important, but what would we do without luck?
– If we take hard work, talent and luck – what is the most important thing by your opinion?
– Every player is talented in his own way. And everyone works according to his own strengths. So it’s better to combine all the three parts.
– When you set the record I asked Igor Larionov (he trained you a little when you were 14) who is the best Russian player in NHL history. He said 'Ovechkin, cause he is very consistent'. And who do you think is the best?
– I know a lot of great guys I could say about. Everyone is special, so it’s hard to pick someone. Some players were best defensively, the others were creative as hell playing center. So, yes, I am one of the best, but to pick one is impossible.
– What’s your reaction when people call you 'The Great Athlete'? Would you call yourself this way?
– You can say 'The Great Athlete' after call it a career, but I'm still playing and I my best results are yet to come. After that we will think how to call me.
Trump, Olympics, World Cup
– The Caps didn’t visit Donald Trump yet, but he called you 'a superstar' in his twitter. So if he invites you to The White House, will you go there? What would you ask Trump?
– Of course, I’ll go there. The opportunity to visit The White House is very pleasant. I would chat with him for a little, take a photo and ask when he’s going to fix a relationship with Russia.
– As the most popular Russian in Washington, could you make something to bring America and Russia together?
– I'm away from politics. Politics is a separate topic. For me the most important is a peace in the world and health for all the people.
– Last year you won the Stanley Cup and became a father. Can you say 'My life is great now and I achieved everything I’ve ever wanted'?
– I still didn't win the Olympics. And there are a lot of other things I want to achieve too. Becoming a father is a great thing for me, for my wife and for our families. We’re all very happy with it.
– Did that affect your career?
– I feel more relaxed for now. The responsibility I had for 10-12 years finally dropped off. And I really feel comfortable.
– It was about winning the Cup. But what about the becoming father? Did that change you?
– It’s hard to make some comments, cause it’s my family, my personal life. But when I come home and play with my son, I feel myself amazing. Yes, he’s still very small, but when he’ll start to walk and talk, it will be even more exciting for me.
– You said to win the Olympics is your next goal, but there is still no guarantee that NHL will take part in Beijing 2022.
– The Winter Olympics are far away. So let’s don’t look that far. Also the lockout is getting closer. So I’ll make my decision about it later.
– Are you upset that the World Cup of Hockey was canceled?
– To be honest, the start of September is not the best time for The World Cup, because we have to prepare for the season. And I don’t really care about it to be honest.
– But you really cared about the NHL players participation in PyeongChang Olympics. You couldn’t do anything that time. But what do you think, will you have an opportunity to convince the league to make participation in the Olympics as a part of the CBA?
– The point is if you’re alone, you can try as hard as you can, but you won’t reach the deal. If someone supported me, then yes. The league could try to make participation in the Olympics possible for us. But it’s hard to get something done when you’re alone.
– Did you expect more support?
– Of course, I did. But a lot of guys were scared and they just refused to didn't any comments about it.
Future, Gretzky record
– Your contract ends up in 2021. The Olympics are scheduled for 2022. Are you thinking about going to Russia for one season?
– It depends on many factors: my family, my physical condition, etc. As I said, let's don’t look that far. Everything can change by that time. We'll figure everything out closer to the Olympic games.
– Could the other NHL teams dream about you to join them or Washington is the one and only team for you?
– I won't make any comments for now. I still have a contract. But I've been playing only for two teams in my life: Dynamo Moscow and The Caps. I don't like too much to change teams.
– Are you tired of the Gretzky’s record questions? Or it’s a pleasure that people think it’s possible you beat it?
– Everything is possible. Hockey is changing all the time, it's developing. We’ll see. But I have to keep playing this way for a long time to reach Gretzky's record.
– You said people must play till 60 years old to set it. If you’ll be 40 and still won’t reach it, will you keep playing just to beat the record or what?
– To be honest, if I feel I’m not good enough when I’m 40, I quit. I don’t want to deceive the hockey. And I want to share more time with my kids in the future.
– Have you ever thought what will you do after finishing career? Maybe will become a coach?
– No, I never thought about it. I still have a long career ahead of me.
– Many people were thinking that after winning the Stanley Cup you won’t be as enthusiastic, as you are this season. But you keep scoring even more. Was it hard for you to tune in in the new season?
– I think the whole team dropped the monkey off its shoulder after that win. We still enjoy the memories of the moments we got that time and we want to repeat it again.
– Why did you refuse to take part in All Stars Game? To reboot yourself?
– Well, yes. I’m not 25 years old anymore to fly for 5 hours to play one game three on three, and after that to fly back again. I spent time with my family and prepared for the rest of the season to show the best I can.
– All Star Game needs to change to become interesting for the players like you?
– I didn’t say that it isn’t interesting now. I just wanted to take a break this year. And to prepare to the end of the season.
Crosby, family
– You are often compared to Sidney Crosby while he’s a center and you are a winger. Is it annoying for you?
– It’s all about the our teams rivalry. We started to play in the NHL the same year. And played a lot against each other. Fans and the media have always been adding a fuel in the fire. It’s totally normal thing, when we are talking about sports.
– Do you want your son to become a hockey player with the genetics you have?
– I’m not gonna push him to lean to hockey. We will see.
– To win the Stanley Cup was the happiness for you or the relief?
– It was the best moment of my career. I finally raised the Cup above my head. It was the real happiness for us, our fans, families and wives. I can’t even describe it, better to see with your own eyes.
– I have never seen someone was so happy to get the Cup, to celebrate like this.
– We did it by our hearts. So everyone was really very happy and satisfied.
– Which goal is the most important in your career?
– Goal scored [against Canada] at the Olympic games in Torino. Also I remember when I scored against Finland in Belarus [in a world championship final]. Every goal stays in memory, cause it’s not easy to score.
– 33 years old Ovechkin and Ovechkin 10 years ago – those are two different men? Did you change?
– For sure I changed a lot. I have a family now. I’m a father. And I’m totally OK with that.
– Vladimir Tarasenko said that he doesn’t know about your record, cause he is not following the hockey news. And what about you?
– As for me, I read all the news, follow the results of the games. We are getting closer to the end of the season. So I have to know everything about the other teams.
– Your mother offered to change the name of 'Maurice Richard Trophy' to 'Alexandr Ovechkin Trophy'. What do you think?
– She's mother. Mothers are all like that, you know.
Kuznetsov, soccer
– You scored today from Evgeni Kuznetsov’s pass. What can you say about him? You won the Cup together. So what are his the most important qualities for you?
– Evgeni is a great guy, very open, kind and funny. We have a real fun together. We have a lot of common things to talk about. We are always together. Our families are very close. He is also a great player and is getting better and better all the time. It’s a pleasure to play with him.
– Do you see any major differences after coach change from Barry Trotz to Todd Reirden? Either in game philosophy and in atmosphere in the locker room.
– I don’t think that some things will change. We are all friends, we have really great atmosphere in the locker room. And as for hockey, we will play same way that we did before.
– Can you tell me the name of the most important coach in your career?
– Zinetula Bilyaletdinov set me on the right path, when I was playing for Dynamo Moscow at 16-17 years old. He is very important for me. And, for sure, I really appreciate my childhood coaches for trusting and teaching me.
– Many Russian kids love you and waiting for your autobiography. Are you gonna tell people about you life path one day?
– I will think about it by the end of my career.
– A couple of questions about a soccer, the game you love. You were the ambassador of the World Championship 2018 in Russia. Do you think that Team Russia showed yourself best? And how close are you with Artem Dzyuba?
– We know each other pretty good. The fans were happy, soccer players were happy. Russian team really played their best.
– Your friend Denis Glushakov has a hard time now. Are you guys still in touch?
– Yeah, we are. Everyone has bad moments in life. His wife Daria and Denis are both really good people. I hope they’ll be okay.
– The whole world has seen your picture with Messi. Have you ever communicated with him or that was picture only?
– We didn’t. Messi doesn’t speak English at all.
– Igor Larionov said that when you were 14, he helped by training you a couple of days. He showed you some exercises that you’re still doing. Is that true?
– Yeah, he really did. I will never forget it. Philipp Arzamasov played for Dynamo and his sister got married with Igor. He trained us a couple of times and gave a lot of useful advices. We tried to remember all the information that we got from Larionov: about the NHL, about the hockey. He is a big professional player. He really knows how to prepare yourself for the games.
– Evgeny Nabokov said about the interesting episode from your childhood with him in. Can you tell about that?
– I was 11 years old. He was playing for Dynamo Moscow that time. And I asked the hockey stick from him.
– Did he give it to you?
– No, he didn’t. He really let me down that time (smiling).?
