Penguins Capitals Hockey

After Alex Ovechkin appeared in an ad for Vladimir Putin's United Russia party, the Washington Capitals said their long-time captain was asked to participate while back in his home country this summer. Team spokesperson Sergey Kocharov says in a statement to The Associated Press that Ovechkin is a Russian citizen who lives in Moscow during the offseason and plans to return there after retiring from his NHL career. Kocharov says Ovechkin is a pillar of the community in Washington and that his and the team's focus is on the coming season and the impact he makes on and off the ice.

Alex Ovechkin says he’s “for peace and love” after the Russian hockey star appeared in an ad for a party aligned with Vladimir Putin. The video for the United Russia party came to light this week, days before Ovechkin’s Washington Capitals held their annual media day. The NHL’s career goal-scoring leader is back with the Capitals for a 22nd season. Ovechkin is seen in the commercial standing behind Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Ovechkin said: “I’m Russian, and I support my country.” He noted he plans to return to live in Russia once his NHL career is over.