Another summer, another frustrating time for Alex Ovechkin.
Granted, he often finds success with Russia at the worlds after seemingly annual frustrations with the Washington Capitals, but then there are years like these.
Finland defeated Russia 3-1 on Saturday. With that, the Finns advance the gold medal game and will face the winner of the U.S. vs. Canada’s semifinal game that’s about to get underway.
Russia, meanwhile, will get the loser of that match to determine who wins the bronze medal.
It was a special moment for the Finns, with Sebastian Aho scoring two goals and Patrick Laine (a high-end prospect for this upcoming draft) enjoying memorable moments.
Laine won't wash jersey after taking hit from Ovechkin. VIDEO: https://t.co/gbXHqWXRDw #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/ONhbJTUvir
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 21, 2016
To many, this could be another sign that Russia’s struggling to support its big stars with proper systems/coaching/development:
This is typical Oleg Znarok's Russia when trailing. No system, no team work, just bunch of individuals playing idiotic hockey.
— Juha Hiitelä (@jhiitela) May 21, 2016
Ouch.