Crosby, Ovechkin on Olympics

Thursday, 07 February 2013 12:33

Written by Shelly Anderson

The Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, start one year from today. So far, whether the NHL allows its players to participate hasn't been officially determined. The topic was not resolved during lockout negotiations. Talks on the subject could start soon.

We talked with Penguins center Sidney Crosby, who scored the overtime, gold-medal-winning goal for Canada at the 2010 Vancouver Games, and to Washington winger Alex Ovechkin. Ovechkin and Penguins center Evgeni Malkin have said they fully intend to play in the Games in their home country.

Here's what Crosby had to say:

"I had a great experience. I think everyone in the hockey world enjoys that. Cheer on your country and see some great hockey. To be part of that whole experience – not only the hockey, but seeing all the other sports, being able to go through that – I think anyone who's been there would love to be a part of it again.

"Hopefully, we can all find a way to make it work, but it does pose a little more of a challenge because of where it is and how much time you have to take off from the season. So whether it's that they adjust the schedule to kind of help that a little bit or the format in the tournament maybe changes ... I'm not sure how they're going to do it, but I'm sure everyone wants to be there."

"For TV it's going to be a little bit tougher [with the time difference]. They'll have to kind of figure all the stuff out.

"But with all that being said, I'm sure everyone's going to try to their best to make it all work because it was a huge success last time."

And here's what Ovechkin had to say:

"[Capitals owner] Ted Leonsis said I'm going to tell Alex Ovechkin he can go, so I feel pretty good about it.

"To be honest with you, it's only Russia, Canada and the U.S [that are heavily affected]. If Canadians want to go, it's their choice. But I think all the Russian guys are going to be there. We're going to represent our country in our country."