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Earlier Wednesday, the Capitals were fined (at least for me, maybe not Ted) hefty for violating the NHL’s COVID protocols.
Then we learned that Alex ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Dmitry Orlov, and Ilya Samsonov are not available due to COVID protocols.
Now the Caps and Ovechkin have issued statements that should clarify everything.
Caps:
ARLINGTON, Virginia – The Washington Capitals and captain Alex Ovechkin released the following statements following the NHL announcement on January 20:
Washington Capitals Declaration:
Our coaching staff have worked very hard to create a safe environment for our players and staff to compete this season. We are disappointed with our players’ choice to interact in their hotel rooms and outside of team approved areas. We accept the NHL’s decision and will once again reiterate the COVID-19 protocols in place to ensure players are in full compliance going forward.
Alex Ovechkin statement:
I regret my choice to spend time with my teammates in our hotel room and away from the locker rooms. I will learn from this experience.
Yeah, that didn’t clear it up at all.
In the NHL statement, they said the fine was for “social interactions between team members who were in close contact and who were not wearing face coverings.”
Both Caps and Ovechkin say this violation occurred in a hotel room, but it doesn’t specify which players were present (although we can assume all four Russian Caps were). It is not known if these players were alone in the room – that is, apart from the non-players. It’s also unclear how a four-person lair unmasked in a hotel room could have caught the attention of top NHL officials.
But there is disappointment and regret, and I guess that’s all we’ll get for now.
For the record, if safety was really the top priority of this team or league, they wouldn’t be playing right now. Four thousand four hundred and nine people died from COVID today.
Screenshot provided by HNIC
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