Alex Ovechkin brings the Stanley Cup to the World Cup

Published

MOSCOW (AP) Alex Ovechkin is bringing the Stanley Cup to the World Cup.

Fresh off winning the NHL title, the Washington Capitals forward is continuing his summer-long victory tour by taking the trophy to Moscow on Saturday, where it will be exhibited at a ''fan fest'' public viewing site ahead of Russia's quarterfinal game against Croatia.

Ovechkin wrote on Instagram, ''Dear friends, I'll be happy to see everyone who wants to take a photo with the Stanley Cup.''

Ovechkin was in his native Moscow on Sunday to see Russia beat Spain on penalties in the round of 16 following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

The NHL veteran is hugely popular in Russia, where it's not uncommon to see fans wearing Capitals hats and other gear. He led the team to its first Stanley Cup in his 13th season after nine consecutive playoff appearances ended in disappointment.

The victory was emotional for Ovechkin, who brought the cup back to Washington for an entertaining days-long celebration that included a keg stand, shirtless swimming in a fountain and posing with the cup in bed alongside his wife, Nastya.

He also threw out the first pitch at a Washington Nationals game - asking for and receiving a do-over - and greeted hundreds of thousands of fans during a parade along the National Mall.

---

More AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/tag/WorldCup