Well, it’s been several weeks since we got a false report out of Russia saying that Washington Capitals superstar left winger Alexander Ovechkin savagely attacked someone. Therefore it came as no surprise yesterday when we got an apparently false report out of Russia saying that Alexander Ovechkin broke a hockey agent’s jaw in a bar fight.

Last time, we had to watch the video to see that nothing happened. This time all we have is Ovechkin’s denial and some odd circumstances. The original story appeared anonymously in a fairly new and unknown publication. Also, the agent in question represents Pittsburgh Penguin Evgenei Malkin, who has long been friends with Ovechkin. The two played together on the Russian national team. Alex translated for Malkin for a TV interview last year on VS. The day that Ovechkin won the NHL’s rookie of the year award, he correctly predicted that Malkin would win it next.

What’s troubling, though, is that the only story that’s pointed out Ovechkin and Malkin’s friendship as possibly relevant evidence appeared on America Online. Capitals owner Ted Leonsis has just been promoted to Vice Chairman Emeritus of AOL, which he co-founded, so the appearance of a potential conflict of interest is noteworthy whenever AOL speaks up for the Capitals. The Ottawa Citizen and Vancouver Sun reported the allegation and Ovechkin’s denial without further comment.
UPDATE: Caps Owner Ted Leonsis has written a friendly blog post responding to this one, and clarifying that he is retired from AOL. We’re honored to count such a great hockey fan among our readership, and we hope he’ll continue to keep us on point.

According to AOL, Ovechkin called the report a “duck.” In Russia, according to AOL, a duck is “a false story that’s purposely placed in the media to stir things up.” In America, it’s what Ushakov forgot to do after insulting one of the world’s best athletes.

Photograph “Duck on Glass” by Flickr user lonecellotheory.