Alex Ovechkin spoke to the media on Saturday for the first time since losing four games due to a breach of NHL’s COVID-19 protocols. During the first trip of the capitals season. Ovechkin spent time in the same hotel room as Evgeny Kuznetsov, Dmitry Orlov and Ilya Samsonov. The NHL later found out that Samsonov tested positive for COVID-19 and started contact tracking. The capitals were fined $ 100,000 as a team.
Ovechkin said in a statement last Wednesday that he regretted his decision and would learn from the experience. Meanwhile, his wife, Nastya, criticized the NHL for how it handled the situation.
“It sucks, obviously,” said Ovechkin of being forced to quarantine. “Nobody wants to be suspended. Nobody wants to put themselves in that position. Ended. You learn from it and move on. “
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During training, Ovechkin was placed on the second row – probably to limit his minutes if he was going to play – and skated with TJ Oshie and Richard Panik.
“I already had my farewell week,” joked Ovechkin. “I feel well rested and ready to go. Obviously, I don’t have much time to be on the ice, but I did some exercises at my gym and ran. I tried to do as much as I could. “
Ovechkin was not sure if he would play against Boston Bruins. “We’ll see tonight after skateboarding,” said Ovechkin.
As for agreeing with the NHL’s COVID-19 protocols that forced him out of combat, Ovechkin did not resist much.
“It’s a situation where rules are rules,” he said. “You can see all the names there … If you make a mistake, it can cost a few games.”
While Ovechkin and the other Russians from the Capitals were out, the Capitals went 3-0-1, registering a seven out of eight possible points.
“It was a great response from the teammates,” he said. “Obviously, we are collecting points and that is the most important thing. I’m happy for new guys who had the opportunity to perform and play well. It was fun to watch. “