Washington Capitals captain and forward Alex Ovechkin, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov and Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy were the first three players named to the Russian Olympic Committee’s initial roster.
Ovechkin, 36, will be making his fourth Olympic appearance but is seeking his first medal. Kucherov, 28, and Vasilevskiy, 27, will make their Olympic debuts after leading the Lightning to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles.
Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin, who is recovering from knee surgery and will miss the first two months of the season, plans to play in the Olympics, according to The Athletic’s Rob Rossi.
On Thursday, the U.S. Olympic team named Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews, Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane and defenseman Seth Jones to its initial roster.
(Photo: Maddie Meyer / Getty Images)
What would winning an Olympic medal mean for Ovechkin’s legacy?
Tarik El-Bashir, Capitals writer: I’d say his legacy as an all-time great is already secure. He’s got a Stanley Cup, a Conn Smythe Trophy, three Hart Trophies and nine Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophies. He’s also enjoyed a ton of success on the international stage, helping Russia to three gold medals in the world championship and a gold medal at the world junior championship.
The one thing missing from Ovechkin’s distinguished resume is an Olympic medal. I’m not sure how much that means to his “legacy” but I do know how much it would mean to Ovechkin, who takes great pride in representing his homeland. His mother, Tatyana, won two gold medals as a basketball player and he wants nothing more than to claim one for himself in Beijing in what, at age 36, could be his last chance to do so.
How do Kucherov and Vasilevskiy impact ROC’s chances of winning gold?
Joe Smith, Lightning writer: If the Russians win gold, Vasilevskiy and Kucherov will likely be a big reason why. Vasilevskiy, the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner, should give them a chance in any game, including against the juggernaut Canadians. Kucherov established himself as a top-five player and clutch playoff performer. The Russians are talented up front, but Kucherov is a difference-maker for their 5-on-5 and top line.