from Tim Benz of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review,

There is a wave of commentary denouncing some Russian NHL players for failing to take a strong public stance against Vladimir Putin’s attack on Ukraine.

I get it. Columnists, talk show hosts and panel members all over our country have taken the time to blast several players for failing to condemn Putin, as Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin avoided doing this week. Or for saying nothing so far, as has been the case to date with Penguins star Evgeni Malkin.

I can’t join that fray. A few hockey players thousands of miles away from their homeland aren’t going to stop a war with their words. But they may put themselves or their families in jeopardy.

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