Washington Capitals sharpshooter Alexander Ovechkin will spearhead an Russian attack at the World Cup of Hockey as the Russian Ice Hockey Federation announced the initial roster for the September showcase on Wednesday.
A three-time National Hockey League MVP, Ovechkin leads the NHL in goals with 40 this season but will not carry the offensive burden alone with a lineup that includes teammate Evgeny Kuznetsov, who sits fifth in scoring with 20 goals and 65 points, and Detroit Red Wings playmaker Pavel Datsyuk.
The eight teams taking part in the Sept. 17 to Oct. 1 World Cup which will be played in Toronto must complete their 23 man rosters by June 1.