Alexander Ovechkin is expected to score goals and shorten the distance to Wayne Gretzky’s record in regular season matches. But while the preseason is underway, fans are not watching the sniper qualities of the capital’s captain, but his ability to be a mentor for Washington’s young hockey players. First of all, for Ivan Miroshnichenko, who has been called the new Ovechkin in North America for several years now.

And the Caps leader played this role perfectly. Under his tutelage, Miroshnichenko does not get lost on the ice and in the locker room.

Ovechkin helps Miroshnichenko adapt

Ovechkin and Miroshnichenko really have a lot in common: both forwards are right-handed and have a killer throw. But comparisons with his star compatriot alone will not make it into Washington’s main roster. The young Russian will have to work hard to earn the right to take to the ice in a Caps jersey. At the same time, the club is doing everything to ensure that his adaptation occurs as quickly as possible. Washington coach Spencer Carbery played Miroshnichenko in training both on the second line with Evgeny Kuznetsov and on the first line with the Washington captain. For a 19-year-old hockey player, this is a great opportunity to get advice from experienced compatriots. Moreover, Ovechkin took the young hockey player under his wing: he involves him in all team activities and even acts as a translator.

Ivan Miroshnichenko / Photo: © REUTERS/Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The player himself looked good in training and earned positive comments from journalists and Carbury. But to get a place in the squad, Miroshnichenko needs to prove himself in the preseason games. And so far he has succeeded: in the first meeting he scored an assist double.

The most expensive NHL translator

The forward’s debut took place in a home match against Detroit. The young Russian, as expected, took to the ice on the same line with Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, although many experts did not consider this a good idea. Still, a newcomer needs to rush around the court and prove his worth in every shift, while veterans in the preseason usually perform at half capacity.

On the other hand, with such partners it would be easier for Miroshnichenko to feel confidence at the NHL level, which he sorely lacked in the first minutes of the match. The forward tried to act as simply as possible and was embarrassed to shoot at goal. And at the start of the second period, he completely lost his position in his zone, which led to a goal. Ivan did not have time to cover the defender on the blue line, and he gave an assist to his partner.

Then Miroshnichenko began to improve and act more boldly on the ice. And a few minutes later the Russian took part in Washington’s scoring combination. The forward passed from behind the goal to Ovechkin, who found an open Backström on the net. Interestingly, after each shift, the 19-year-old forward always sat next to Ovechkin and received advice from him on the bench. Perhaps this also played a role.

Alexander Ovechkin (right) / Photo: © REUTERS/Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

After missing the goal, Washington, which fielded a more optimal lineup, noticeably improved. The hosts’ second goal was just a matter of time, but Detroit’s goalkeeper saved his teammates time after time. The series of saves was completed by goalkeeper Kuznetsov, who, together with Tom Wilson, showed a home preparation. The Russian center won a throw-in with a throw to Wilson, who hit the goal with one touch.

The audience saw the next goal only in the middle of the third period, when Washington sent off 35-year-old Artem Anisimov. After another missed goal, Detroit completely wilted and gave the initiative to the opponent, which Miroshnichenko’s line took advantage of. Four minutes before the end of the final 20 minutes, the Russian skated along the goal, took the goalkeeper with him, and then threw the puck to John Carlson on empty. Thus, Miroshnichenko scored an assist in his first match for Washington. He also had the opportunity to score a goal: Ovechkin made a brilliant pass to the far post, but the forward was unable to beat the goalkeeper.

At the end of the meeting, Detroit unexpectedly came to its senses and even reduced the gap to a minimum, but the guests did not have enough time for more.

After the match, journalists surrounded Miroshnichenko and Ovechkin, who acted as a translator. At the same time, the captain of the Washington sometimes translated, and sometimes spoke for Ivan, inserting his own observations, which made everyone laugh.

Ivan Miroshnichenko (right) / Photo: © REUTERS/Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

— I made my NHL debut when he was one year old. God, I’m so old. Actually, this is a pretty special moment, he watched us on TV, and it was kind of a dream come true,” Ovechkin said after the match.

Ovechkin also noted that he was pleased with the performance of his compatriot. Journalists also praised Miroshnichenko’s performance.

“I had to overcome some nervousness in the beginning, but the 19-year-old was strong in his first professional game in North America. He worked to keep the puck alive, showed physicality and showed off speed, skating and elite shooting, The Hockey News writes.

Now there is no firm confidence that Miroshnichenko will end up in the Washington team, but so far everything is going well for him. The forward needs to prove himself in the next friendly match. And with such a fun start, his prospects are good.

Washington forward Alexander Ovechkin acted as a translator for teammate Ivan Miroshnichenko after the NHL preseason game against Detroit.

The Capitals beat the Red Wings at home – 4:3, Miroshnichenko made his debut for Washington and scored two assists.

During a conversation with reporters, Miroshnichenko said in Russian: “Playing with such people… I used to watch them on TV, and Ovi was drafted when I was born, so for me it’s very encouraging.”

Ovechkin translated his words into English, and when he spoke about the draft pick, he added: “Lord, I’m so old,” after which laughter rang out in the audience.

In May, 19-year-old Miroshnichenko signed a three-year contract with the Capitals. Last season, the forward played for Avangard Omsk, played 23 matches in the KHL regular season, scored three goals and gave an assist.

Tampa Bay Lightning goalkeeper Andrei Vasilevsky successfully underwent microdiscectomy for a lumbar disc herniation, said the club’s vice president and general manager Julien Brisebois.

The 29-year-old goalkeeper is expected to miss approximately the first two months of the regular season, the club’s press service reports.

According to journalist Erik Erlendsson, Vasilevsky first felt discomfort in August. The club used injections to try to combat the problem. But the unpleasant sensations returned on the very first training day of the training camp. Other measures didn’t help either. After consultation with doctors, it was decided to undergo surgery.

Vasilevskiy is a two-time Stanley Cup winner with Tampa Bay, as well as the 2019 Vezina Trophy (best goaltender of the season) and 2021 Conn Smythe Trophy (as the most valuable player of the NHL playoffs).

The new NHL season starts on October 10.