Ovechkin saved the opponent from removal. The phenomenal act of an NHL superstar

At the moment, there is no more popular and discussed hockey player in the entire NHL than Alexander Ovechkin. It is all the more valuable that in a situation where his every action is viewed under a microscope, Ovi not only avoids scandals, but also deserves universal approval.

Instead of begging for removal, writhing in pain, Ovechkin asked the judges not to punish the opponent. Amazing commitment to the principles of fair play!

Ovechkin’s noble act

In the regular season match, Vegas Golden Knights forward Max Pacioretti had every chance of going to the penalty bench due to excessive zeal in the fight against Ovechkin. But the Russian took the trouble away from his opponent, urging the referee to cancel the punishment. Max eventually went to work with a clear conscience. Ovi, it seems, did not regret his request either.

Photo: © REUTERS / Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Nevertheless, the episode deserved close attention of the arbitrator. It was possible to see a reason for removal in it. The Russian intended to take possession of the flying puck, but it was not easy to accomplish this surrounded by rivals. Pacioretti did everything possible to make the taming of the projectile by the captain of “Washington” in principle impossible. By holding the opponent, Max made the fall of the goalscorer from the Capitals.

The referee blew his whistle, but immediately met with protest from Ovechkin. Alexander shook his head, making it clear that he did not agree with this interpretation of the moment. Probably, Ovi ended up on the ice without outside help or with minimal assistance from Pacioretti.

One in a hundred so great

Perhaps 99 hockey players out of 100 in this case would not argue with the referee – why voluntarily give up the majority? But Ovechkin has become one of the hundred, for whom honesty is more important than momentary profit. And this despite the fact that the additional majority of the Capitals would not hurt in the end – Peter Laviolette’s team could not win in regular time, but lost in overtime.

Photo: © REUTERS / Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

However, some hockey fans did not believe in the nobility of Ovi, believing that he simply did not understand the situation. The assumption that Alexander took the whistle in his address, and therefore began to protest about a possible removal for simulation, has the right to life. However, we note that both television commentators and representatives of Vegas gave a very unambiguous interpretation of the episode, admiring the generosity of the hockey player.

That’s what it means – great. Ovechkin shows that being a superstar is a privilege that comes with added responsibility, not a guarantee of permissiveness.