Alexander Ovechkin is set to play in the first Stanley Cup Final of his illustrious career, but no, the Russian president has not called to wish him good luck.
Ovechkin briefly had the media going after saying that Vladimir Putin had called him ahead of Monday night’s Game 1, but quickly clarified he was joking.
Alex Ovechkin: “Vladimir Putin called me and wished me luck …. (pauses) that’s a joke.” #StanleyCup
— Joshua Clipperton (@JClipperton_CP) May 27, 2018
It would have been believable. Putin is a passionate hockey fan, and he and Ovechkin are mutual admirers, which has forced Ovechkin on the defensive in the past due to the Russian president’s controversial actions and beliefs. There may not be a phone call coming, but Putin may well be rooting for Ovechkin no matter what.
