It's Sobota in Bratislava

Let's start first with our Slovak reporter Andrea Kováčová, who sent us her translation of the article and photos from "Plus Jeden Deň", May 7, 2011, "Ovechkin will come hurt" :

He wants to play for his country



This Russian hockey player confessed that he player with injuries in NHL play offs. „I have some of them. But that´s it, I get hurt, everybody gets hurt,“ explained Ovechkin, who has problems with knee for example as well. But when Vladislav Tretiak called him about his coming to Championship, he didn´t hesitate. „He asked me if I had come and I said yes. I will play for my country and try to win a gold,“ said a Russian, who could play his first game in Championship tomorrow at 16.15 (4.15 pm) against Czech republic.

This translation by Andrea is from Hokej.Pravda, May 7, 2011, "Ovečkin pricestoval do Bratislavy, zahrá si proti Česku"

25-year old player appeared in Bratislava´s Orange Stadium before 10 am this Saturday. He went to locker room where he probably is preparing for afternoon practise. Russians go forward to quarterfinal and Ovechkin will play against Czechs tomorrow.

He is preparing during practice with Maxim Afinogenov and Konstantin Gorovnikov. "I practiced with them normally," said world´s star and about arrival to Slovakia."The flight was long. I feel good so far, I don´t want to go sleep. When I saw boys that has energized me. I want to play agaist Czechs. The major goal of this day is to accustom to local time."

Russian ice hockey forward Alexander Ovechkin (right) during a workout at the 75th 2011 IIHF World Championship in Bratislava.

Great job, Andrea, and we love your Slovak accent! :-) We are looking forward to new reports.

Now to our field reporter Emily B. who provided us with all the links.

Stanislav Gushcha, Sportbox.ru, May 7, 2011:

How do you feel?
I feel fine. So far I don't feel sleepy. We'll see [if I will feel jet lag] in the evening.

Are you in a better mood now, joining the team?
Of course. The flight was very long. Now I have to once again get in shape.

How do you feel playing on a line with Maxim Afinogenov and Konstantin Gorovikov?
It's okay. So far, so good.

Were the series against Tampa very tough?
Yes. It is always difficult to lose. But now I'm here with the team.

What do you think about the upcoming game against the Czechs?
I don't think about it. So far I have to wake up first.

Czechs are the world champions. Will you have a special adjustment for them?
So far I haven't thought about it, we have 24 hours before the game starts. We'll do adjustments when it wil;l get closer.

Irina Khryaeva, allhockey.ru, May 7, 2011, "Ovechkin's day":

Team Russia had a one hour morning skate and the main star there was of course Alexander Ovechkin. Ovechkin just arrived today from the United States to Vienna, and from there drove to Bratislava. And almost without a break he went to the morning skate. You could tell that he was very tired.

iihf.com, "Circus Ovi has begun":

Alexander Ovechkin answers questions to journalists following his first practice with the Russian national team. Photo: Matthew Manor / HHOF-IIHF Images

BRATISLAVA – One of the world’s finest players has arrived in Bratislava.

Alexander Ovechkin landed in Vienna on Saturday morning after getting green light from the Washington Capitals on Friday.

At noon the 25-year-old, two-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner entered the ice for his first practice with the Russian national team at Bratislava’s Orange Arena before facing a huge crowd of journalists in the mixed zone.

“It was a shock,” Ovechkin said about the Capitals’ loss in round two of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning. “I think we didn’t deserve being defeated in four games. Several players played with injuries, not only me. But we showed character and wouldn’t surrender,” the Capitals star added, “but now I feel fine again and I am ready to go.”

His full focus is now on representing his nation and winning the 2011 IIHF World Championship with Russia.

Ovi entered the ice with lot of motivation. He even broke Konstantin Barulin’s mask when firing shots at the goalkeeper.

More reading from Swedish blog by Marie Hallman...



Reported live from internet, this is Emily.



H/t BobbyG for more Ovi's pics link...

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