Alexander Maltsev

Who is Alexander Maltsev?

Alexander Nikolayevich Maltsev is a retired Soviet ice hockey right winger.

Maltsev played for Dynamo Moscow in the Soviet League for 530 games from 1967 to 1984. He was one of the few stars not to play for CSKA Moscow. A six-time Soviet all-star, he led the league in scoring in 1970-71 and tied with Valeri Kharlamov for MVP in 1971-72.

Maltsev was on the USSR team during the 1972 Winter Olympics, 1976 Winter Olympics, and 1980 Winter Olympics, winning gold in 1972 and 1976 and silver in 1980. He was named the best forward at the IIHF World Championships three times, leading the tournament in goals once and total scoring twice. He made the world championship all-star team on five occasions. Maltsev's 213 career goals in international play were the most by any Soviet player. According to NHL.com, Maltsev was Alexander Ovechkin's childhood idol.

Maltsev was awarded the Medal For Labour Heroism in 1972, the Order of the Badge of Honor in 1976 and the Order of the Red Banner of Labour in 1978.