Sergei Bobrovsky Should Join Other Russians and Go to Olympics
The NHL announced that they will not send players to the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea to the dismay of the players and the fans. Will Sergei Bobrovsky join his fellow countrymen who say they will go to they Olympics anyways?
The NHL has once again proven that they are the worst league in North American sports. Having spurred an incredible opportunity to grow the game in Asia, the NHL will not go to Pyeongchang, South Korea. The best players in the world, including Sergei Bobrovsky, will not have the NHL’s backing to represent their countries in the Olympics for the first time since 1994.
In what can only be described as a greedy, short-sighted decision, the NHL now puts itself in a sticky situation. Many star players, including Alex Ovechkin have said that they are going to the Olympics no matter what. Today, Ovi reiterated that statement and said he will still go. Fellow Russian and Washington Capital Evgeny Kuznetsov has also said he will go play for Mother Russia in South Korea.
Will Bob Go?
So what about Columbus Blue Jackets star goalie and Russian Sergei Bobrovsky? He is certainly Russia’s number one goalie. He will get a spot on the national team if he wants it.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Owner John P. McConnell hasn’t been outspoken on this issue like Washington’s owner has. Sergei has not been public either on this issue and will be asked about it in the post game gaggle following the Pittsburgh game.
My inkling is that Bob will want to go back and play again for his country. Consider the previous Olympics he competed in. Host Russia was beat in the preliminary round in a shootout as we all remember by the Red, White, and Blue in 2014. T.J. Oshie beat Bob four times in that shootout. Then Russia took an early bow out from the tournament in the quarterfinals to Finland.
Bob will want redemption. Unless the NHL says they are punishing players with a season-long suspension, I expect Bob to play in the Olympics. As he should. Representing your country is one of the highest honor for an athlete. And to not be able to do so because some NHL owners want more is a travesty.
Let’s hope the NHL changes its stance and changes its ways. I wouldn’t hold my breath though. The worst-run league will continue allow idiotic, greedy owners to hold back the growth of the great game of hockey. I am a true patriot and want the U.S.A to win everything but I want to see Bob happy as well. He should go to the Olympics with his countrymen and compete in Pyeongchang.