Major Controversies Surrounding Alexander Ovechkin: A Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 1, 2026

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Alexander Ovechkin.

Alexander Ovechkin, a.k.a. "The Great 8" or "Ovi", is a celebrated Russian professional ice hockey player, currently the captain of the Washington Capitals in the NHL. Primarily a left winger, Ovechkin holds the record for the most career goals in NHL regular season history, making him the only player to surpass 900 regular season goals. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

August 2007: Alleged Punching of Gennady Ushakov

In August 2007, Alexander Ovechkin allegedly punched Evgeni Malkin's Russian agent, Gennady Ushakov, at a Moscow nightclub, leading to increased tension between the two players. Ovechkin denied the version of events, while Malkin confirmed it.

January 2008: Ovechkin took a run at Malkin

On January 21, 2008, Alexander Ovechkin took a run at Evgeni Malkin during a game in Pittsburgh, escalating their feud.

2008: Criticism over Exuberant Celebrations

In 2008, Ovechkin garnered some criticism over his exuberant after-goal celebrations.

February 2009: Criticism over Exuberant Celebrations

In February 2009, Ovechkin's after-goal celebrations were criticized by Canadian hockey analyst Don Cherry, who likened them to soccer players' celebrations.

March 2009: "Hot Stick" Incident

In March 2009, Ovechkin sparked controversy after pretending to warm his hands over his stick after scoring a goal.

2009: Confirmed punching of Malkin's agent

In 2009, Alexander Ovechkin confirmed in an interview with RT that he punched Evgeni Malkin's agent, but stated "but is okay".

January 2012: Suspended and Forgoes All-Star Game

On January 23, 2012, Alexander Ovechkin received a three-game suspension for a hit on Zbyněk Michálek of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and on January 24, he announced he would not attend the 2012 NHL All-Star Game due to the suspension.

2014: 2014 IIHF World Championships Gold Medal

In 2014, Alexander Ovechkin participated in the IIHF World Championships where Russia won gold. After the tournament, Ovechkin asked Vladimir Putin to reward the Russian hockey team on an equal basis with the 2014 Olympic champions, a statement which generated some controversy.

November 2017: Started PutinTeam Movement

In November 2017, Alexander Ovechkin started a movement called PutinTeam in support of Russian President Vladimir Putin during the 2018 Russian presidential election, describing it as a show of support for Russia and his parents and friends.

November 2017: PutinTeam Announced on Instagram

In November 2017, the PutinTeam movement was first announced in a post on Alexander Ovechkin's Instagram account, and the group's official website was launched later that month.

2018: Promotion of the Russian Presidential elections

In 2018, IMA-Consulting reportedly held a $600,000 contract to promote the 2018 Russian presidential elections, leading to questions about the movement.

February 2022: Called for peace following Russian invasion of Ukraine

On February 25, 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Alexander Ovechkin called for peace and no more war without directly mentioning Russia or Ukraine.