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Time of India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'I'm not Michael Jordan': Alex Ovechkin shuts down comparisons with humble message
Alex Ovechkin may be the most prolific goal scorer in NHL history—but don't expect him to embrace comparisons to global icon . When asked in a recent Match TV interview whether he's reached Jordan-level fame in cities like Washington, D.C. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now or Moscow, the Washington Capitals star didn't hesitate to shut it down. With his trademark humility and a surprising nod to his mother—herself a two-time Olympic basketball champion—Ovechkin made it clear: he may be legendary on the ice, but he's not chasing Jordan's shadow. 'Why elevate yourself?': Alex Ovechkin deflects Michael Jordan comparisons and honors the GOAT who raised him In the Match TV interview, conducted in Moscow, was asked whether he feels as recognized in public spaces as Jordan once was in Chicago or Washington. The NHL's all-time goal-scoring leader gave an emphatic response: 'Of course, there is no such thing,' he said. 'If you compare me with Michael Jordan, then it's like night and day.' Ovechkin didn't stop there. Instead of leaning into the compliment, he redirected it to two people he holds in the highest regard: Jordan, whom he's long admired, and his mother, Tatyana Ovechkina—a Soviet basketball legend. 'Jordan is the greatest,' he added. 'The same as my mother in basketball, a two-time Olympic champion, multiple European champion.' When pressed again—when the interviewer asked if he might be at least closing the gap—who Ovechkin might rival in stature—he doubled down: 'No,' he replied. 'Why elevate yourself? You have to stay grounded.' This isn't the first time Ovechkin has spoken about Jordan. In 2020, during an interview with Men's Journal, he named the six-time NBA champion as the one athlete he'd most like to meet. He also praised Netflix's The Last Dance, the docuseries chronicling Jordan's final season with the Chicago Bulls, as a must-watch. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In April 2024, where Ovechkin made NHL history by surpassing Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal record, Jordan himself congratulated him via video: 'Hi, Alex, congratulations. Quite a record to break,' Jordan said. Ovechkin has even turned that admiration into a running joke. He often wears a red Capitals hoodie that reads 'Well I'm not Michael Jordan' across the back—a quote from a pregame soccer session that became so iconic teammate Devante Smith-Pelly had it printed on the hoodie and gifted it to him. Despite not having the towering trophy cabinet Jordan does—with six NBA titles, five MVPs, and two Olympic golds—Ovechkin's NHL résumé is elite. The future first-ballot Hall of Famer owns nine Rocket Richard Trophies, three Hart Trophies, a Stanley Cup championship, and a Conn Smythe Trophy. And unlike Jordan, who retired after his age-39 season with 1,072 NBA games, Ovechkin is still active at 40—and just nine games shy of becoming the 23rd NHL player ever to hit 1,500 games. Alex Ovechkin's greatness doesn't need Michael Jordan comparisons to be legendary Whether he's skating through Moscow or leading the Capitals in Washington, Alex Ovechkin is a once-in-a-generation athlete. But if you ask him, there's no need to chase comparisons to basketball royalty. In his eyes, Michael Jordan is untouchable—and so is the legacy of his own mother. And while fans and analysts may one day crown him the Jordan of the NHL, Ovechkin's only goal now is simple: keep scoring, stay grounded, and let the greatness speak for itself. Also Read:
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Alex Ovechkin's top three goals do not include Wayne Gretzky's record-breaking goal
(Image via Getty Images: Alex Ovechkin) Who would have thought that Alex Ovechkin's 895th goal would not be one of his favorites? Nobody, right? But that's the case. Chris Cerullo of the Russian Machine Never Breaks reported that the 39-year-old Washington Capitals' captain named his top three goals while talking to Match TV. One was from the 2006 Winter Olympics, where he represented Russia. The second was from his rookie NHL season. And the third one was from the 2018 Stanley Cup Final. Let's discover a little bit more about each of his favorite goals. Yes, it does not include the one where he defeated The Great One! But, but, but. The rest of them are ten times closer to his heart. Russia versus Canada in the 2006 Winter Olympics Ovechkin Olympic Games2006 5th goal The Great One's defeater, Alex Ovechkin, recently told Match TV, 'The first(goal) was at the 2006 Olympics, when we beat Canada.' It was a power-play goal. It was his first-ever Olympic game. Alex Ovechkin was only 20 years old. And, he had scored a game-winning goal for Russia against Canada in the 2006 Winter Olympics. Ovechkin came diving towards Canada's goal post. He was assisted by ice hockey center Viktor Kozlov. A crucial pass from Kozlov led to his game-winning goal! Canada's goaltender had almost fallen to the ground, trying to defeat Wayne Gretzky's defeater! But alas, Alex Ovechkin wrote the first chapter of his extraordinary history that day! Washington Capitals versus Phoenix Coyotes in the 2006 NHL season Alex Ovechkin Amazing Goal vs Phoenix Coyotes 2006 (All Camera Angles) 'He may be the only guy who can score that goal,' the commentator called Ovechkin's play. The goal could not be captured with our naked eyes. It was only visible through slow motion. Even Wayne Gretzky, who was in the NHL stands, looked up to the Tumbletron and waited for a replay of the remarkable goal scored by Alex Ovechkin! Ovechkin told Match TV, 'The second(goal) was my rookie season, when I scored a behind-the-back shot against Phoenix.' The commentator described Ovechkin's goal as 'Simply sensational. This may be the prettiest goal of the season. Even Wayne Gretzky, The Great One, is gonna see how this one went in. That spectacular display of stick handling on his back. That is the goal of the year. We have a winner. Don't even bother to send in your votes!' Washington Capitals versus Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 of the 2018 Stanley Cup Final Ovechkin's Game 5 Stanley Cup Final Goal 'The third(goal) was the Stanley Cup Final when I scored in the fifth game of the series against Vegas,' Alex Ovechkin told Match TV. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like "혈액순환 대박입니다!'' 특허 받은 ''이것'',,면역력, 혈행, 활력 싹~ 20대처럼 가뿐해져!! 카이스트 건강비결 더 알아보기 Undo 'So surgical. So precise. So athletic,' described one of the commentators. The Washington Capitals were leading the series of the 2018 Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights by a 3-1 score. In the second quarter of the match with less than 10 minutes left on the clock, Ovechkin stood close to the Vegas net, waiting for the puck. Ice hockey center Nicklas Backstrom played with the puck for a while before passing it over to Ovechkin. The captain waited patiently. But when he received the puck from Backstrom, it straightaway stormed into the Vegas net! Thanks to their goaltender, Marc-Andre Fleury. Fleury's body deflected the puck, and it went straight into the net again! Also Read: NHL Trade News: Buffalo Sabres sign defenseman Radim Mrtka to a three-year entry-level contract | NHL News - Times of India Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Sergei Bobrovsky credits Florida Panthers teammates for historic Stanley Cup win, declines personal praise
Sergei Bobrovsky (via Getty Images) Sergei Bobrovsky was the clear standout in the Florida Panthers' latest Stanley Cup triumph. Still, when asked about his role in the title run, the veteran goaltender humbly redirected the spotlight. Speaking to Russian outlet MatchTV after clinching back-to-back championships, Bobrovsky downplayed praise from Edmonton Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin, emphasizing instead the collective effort of his teammates and coaching staff. The Panthers, now chasing a third straight title, are setting their sights on NHL history. Sergei Bobrovsky brushes aside personal glory; Florida Panthers system gets praise Sergei Bobrovsky's .905 save percentage in the pivotal game helped tip the series in the Florida Panthers' favor to win the Stanley Cup, but Sergei Bobrovsky remained true to his well-known modesty. ' I am just part of the team. Part of the system. All the guys worked to the maximum. The concentration and intensity, especially in these games, were off the charts. When a team plays like that, it makes the goalkeeper's job easier. The opponent has no time for anything, and in key moments it is very difficult for him to do what he wants," he shared with MatchTV. 'I'm excited about the next season, about the next challenge. We have, again, a great group of guys. I'm excited to be their goalie, to help them, to go through the challenges and hurdles with them." This is how much it costs to look like 2x Stanley Cup champ, Sergei Bobrovsky 😲 Which goalie do you The Florida Panthers are now on the brink of NHL greatness. With two titles in two seasons, they can make history and become the first team to win three in a row during the salary cap era. Only the Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks have won three in total since the salary cap era began, but none have won a legitimate three-peat. "We have a great group of guys. We have good players, but next season starts from zero for everybody,' he acknowledged. 'If you win [a third cup in a row], it's going to be happiness." Amidst the NHL's changing landscape, few teams have the depth, chemistry, and leadership Florida has nurtured in recent years. And underpinning it all is Sergei Bobrovsky's immoveable humility and unflappable play, inspiring it all. Also read: Sergei Bobrovsky becomes first goalie in NHL history with back-to-back 40-save games Whether they achieve the unattainable three-peat or come up short, Bobrovsky's team-first approach is already establishing the precedent for another unbelievable go. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Capitals' Alex Ovechkin Makes Big Career Decision: Report
Capitals' Alex Ovechkin Makes Big Career Decision: Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After breaking the legendary Wayne Gretzky's longstanding record for most career goals, few would blame Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin if he decided to call it a career. Advertisement There has been plenty of speculation about what the future holds for the 39-year-old Russian, and Capitals fans got a little scare last week when an email sent out referring to the 2025-26 season as Ovechkin's last — a decision the team quickly addressed as inaccurate. 'No decision has been made on Alex Ovechkin's future following the 2025-26 NHL season. An email was sent from an individual with the corporate sales department that mistakenly alluded to next year being Alex Ovechkin's final year,' the team wrote on X. Though Ovechkin has yet to make an official decision about how many more years—if any—he plans to play in the NHL, the three-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner (NHL MVP award) has reportedly decided when his next hockey game will be, and it's sooner than some fans might think. Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after scoring career goal 888 at Capital One Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images In a recent interview with Russian news outlet Match TV, Utah Mammoth defenseman and fellow countryman Mikhail Sergachev disclosed that Ovechkin will play in the second annual 'Match of the Year' between all-stars from the NHL and the Russian Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) on July 13. Advertisement Ovechkin's reported decision is a big one given it could be the final time he plays in international competition given the Russian national team has been banned from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, due to the country's ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The first iteration of the NHL-KHL exhibition happened last year at CSKA Arena in Moscow and ended in an 8-8 tie, but Ovechkin made quite an impact, scoring the game's first goal and winning MVP. Ovechkin, who scored 44 goals and 73 points in 65 games this season, is back in Russia for the offseason having flown back at the end of May after the Capitals were eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Carolina Hurricanes. Next year is the last on Ovechkin's contract with the Capitals. Barring a contract extension being signed between now and next offseason, Ovechkin will hit unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2026. Advertisement Ovechkin has expressed a desire to finish his professional hockey career with Dynamo Moscow, the KHL team he began his career with and played for back in the 2012-13 season during the NHL lockout. Related: Sidney Crosby Sends 6-Word Alex Ovechkin Warning After Capitals Season Ends This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Morocco World
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Russia vs Nigeria: When, Where, and How to Watch Friday's Historic Friendly
Doha – Russia and Nigeria will meet for the first time ever in an international friendly match on Friday at Moscow's iconic Luzhniki Stadium. The match kicks off at 7:00 p.m. (GMT+1) as both teams look to continue their recent strong form. The Super Eagles enter the contest fresh off their success at the Unity Cup in Brentford, where they defeated Jamaica in the final. This follows their 2-1 victory over Ghana earlier in the international window. Coach Eric Chelle's men will aim to maintain their unbeaten run despite missing several key players. Nigeria will be without star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman due to injury. This leaves the door open for Belgian Ebony Shoe and Golden Boot winner Tolu Arokodare to lead the attack. Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is also expected to feature prominently in what will be a depleted Nigerian squad. Russia comes into the match having won their last eight games by a combined score of 44-0. Their most recent outings in March resulted in back-to-back 5-0 victories over Grenada and Zambia. The Russians have been banned from competing against European countries since 2021 due to the war in Ukraine, instead playing friendlies against teams from other confederations. Russian coach Valeri Karpin dismissed suggestions that Nigeria is bringing a weakened side. 'There are always absentees, but that doesn't make the match less competitive,' Karpin stated. 'Nigeria still has top-quality players, and this will be a good test for us.' The match will be played at the 78,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium, which hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup final. Nigerian fans can watch the game live on Match TV, Afrosport, and the official NFF TV channel. Nigeria's predicted lineup includes Maduka Okoye in goal, with a defense of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, William Ekong, and Bruno Onyemaechi. The midfield will likely feature Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Frank Onyeka, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, while Tolu Arokodare and Moses Simon are expected to lead the attack. Russia will likely field Matvey Safonov in goal, with Ilya Vakhaniya, Maxim Osipenko, Alexander Silyanov, and Yuri Gorshkov in defense. The midfield should consist of Alexey Batrakov, Anton Miranchuk, and Danil Prutsev, while the attack will feature Maksim Glushenkov, Andrey Mostovoy, and Nikolay Komlichenko. Despite Russia entering as favorites on paper, the Super Eagles' speed and firepower could pose problems. Under Chelle, Nigeria has been tenacious and energetic without the ball, which may prove challenging for the Russians. Both teams have been scoring freely in recent matches, suggesting goals are likely in this encounter. The Super Eagles arrived in Moscow earlier this week and began training on Tuesday in preparation for the fixture. This match represents another opportunity for Chelle to assess his squad ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers, where he has emphasized the need for improvement if Nigeria is to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Read also: Ireland vs Senegal: When, How to Watch Dublin Friendly Tags: Friendly GamesnigeriaRussia
