Malkin hopes he can play 2022 Olympics for Russia
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
LAS VEGAS — Evgeni Malkin stressed the need for Russian citizens and athletes “to be together” as his home country sorts out its Olympic situation after a ban due to a systematic cover up of doping by Russian athletes.
“We’re all upset,” Malkin said Wednesday after the Penguins practiced at T-Mobile Arena. “It’s a tough time right now.”
Malkin was pleased to learn Tuesday that a contingent of Russian athletes — including hockey players — who had remained clean would compete as neutrals, with no flag or national anthem.
“I think it’s a good idea,” Malkin said. “It’s very important for me that this be the last time we go without the flag and anthem. Next Olympics, we go together, with flag and anthems.”
Malkin already was one of Russia’s most prominent athletes, but he upped the ante a month ago when he joined Alex Ovechkin’s “Putin Team” via Instagram.
In comments explaining the decision, Malkin said much of it was Olympicsbased.
“It’s a tough time right now about Olympics, what’s going on [with] doping,” Malkin said Nov. 16 in Ottawa. “It’s a tough situation, I want to support not just the president, I want to support all athletics and support my country.”
Since those comments, the ban was levied, and it was announced that president Vladimir Putin would run for re-election.
Malkin’s stance wasn’t so much about politics as it was about maintaining pride in his home country, and he stuck by that message Wednesday.
“I think it’s very important,” Malkin said. “We’re a big country. People love sports, hockey, skiing. It’s a hard time, but I hope it’s the last time.”
Individually, Malkin hopes to play in one final Olympic Games, in Beijing in 2022.
While the NHL has not decided either way, Malkin said playing for Russia once more would mean a lot to him.
“We’re not going this year,” Malkin said. “Probably next [time] I’ll have my last chance to go. We see what’s going on. It’s hard to say right now. I feel I have one more chance to play. I’ll do everything. I’ll try to be in great shape.
“We need to be careful with our bodies — what you eat, what you drink. If the NHL says yes, I feel great and coach asks me, why not?”