Alex Ovechkin expressed optimism that hockey could bridge the political divides between the United States and Russia, emphasizing the shared love of the sport. He conveyed hope for peace, referencing his connection to Russian President Vladimir Putin without engaging in political discourse. Fellow hockey player Evgeni Malkin echoed this sentiment, wishing for fruitful discussions between leaders Trump and Putin. Both athletes believe the sport fosters connections between their nations, even in turbulent times, highlighting hockey's role as a unifying force across political boundaries.
"Both countries love hockey, so I hope it's going to connect well and we will see," Ovechkin told Pleitgen in the locker room post-game.
"I'm Russian, right? Sometimes something I can't control. It's not in my hands. I hope it's going to end soon and it's going to be peace in both countries. I don't control this one," he said then.
"People love hockey here and people love hockey in the U.S. It's a big meeting I think next week between Trump and Putin, and I hope they have a good meeting and everything is done," Malkin told Pleitgen.
One player who experienced that era at its height told CNN he believes hockey is a connective force, transcending political tensions between nations.
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