Moscow (AFP) – Russia’s hockey federation said on Wednesday it was calling up star forward Alexander Ovechkin to the national team for the World Championships after his NHL team was eliminated in the playoffs.
Washington Capitals captain Ovechkin saw his team eliminated in the second round of the playoffs on Tuesday after losing to the Pittsburg Penguins 4-3 in overtime.
The hockey federation said it was also calling up forward Evgeny Kuznetsov and defenseman Dmitry Orlov, both likewise from the Capitals.
Ovechkin had 50 goals and 21 assists this season, and will receive the NHL’s Maurice Richard Trophy for most goals in the regular season.
The NHL’s six-time top scorer had five goals in 12 playoff games this season, and has won three gold medals at the World Championship throughout his career.
Russia face Denmark on Thursday in the preliminary round of the tournament taking place in Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
The team currently ranks second in their group, trailing the Czech Republic after losing one match and winning two.
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