TVA Sports' Renaud Lavoie and the NHL Network reported that Pittsburgh Penguins great defenseman Kris Letang spoke out against "unjust criticism" directed towards Russian-born players.
''Individuals who attack these men are wasting their time. I know Russian players who have acquaintances in Ukraine and Russia. These situations are exceedingly difficult for them to experience.''
Letang continued by discussing his teammate and friend Evgeni Malkin in greater detail.
''If someone attacks Evgeni Malkin, the other 23 members of our team will undoubtedly protect him and stand by his side. Evgeni Malkin is a human being, and an exceptionally good one.''
