Penguins Fan Levies Death Threat on Ovechkin

Contrary to what it may seem, this is not an Alex Ovechkin-exclusive blog.

But when things seem to unravel one after the other, the information is worth bearing.

Just before the Capitals dispatched the Penguins in Game 2, a 17-year old from suburban Pittsburgh posted a death threat on a Penguins message board aimed at Ovechkin. Perfect timing, eh?

And now, once the news comes out (of all places, ESPN), the Penguins fan base takes a respectability hit--hours after they put on a gutsy performance winning Game 3 last night.

This from ESPN.com hockey analyst Scott Burnside:


ESPN.com
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PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh police and the NHL's security office have investigated a death threat made against Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin on a Pittsburgh Penguins fan message board

The post, reportedly written by a teenager from Chambersburg, Penn., said: "I'm killing Ovechkin and I don't care what happens to me."


The Penguins immediately informed local police, as well as the NHL and the Capitals.


"We were notified of the message and immediately turned over all information to the authorities," the Penguins said in a statement.


It is not known if criminal charges are pending, but officials don't believe Ovechkin was ever in any real danger. Ovechkin was aware of the threat, but did not comment when the incident was first reported by a local television station in Pittsburgh. The Capitals star has been escorted by police while in Pittsburgh for the Eastern Conference semifinals series, which Washington leads 2-1.


"We are aware of it. NHL security was contacted and worked with local law enforcement in handling the matter," NHL spokesman Frank Brown said Thursday.


"We became aware of an inappropriate comment on a message board and referred it to appropriate authorities," the Washington Capitals said in a statement. "We appreciate their diligence and have every confidence in our club's safety."


Ovechkin, the NHL's leading goal scorer, has five goals in the first three games of the NHL Eastern Conference semifinal series against Pittsburgh. He scored the game's first goal during Washington's 3-2 overtime loss in Game 3 on Wednesday night, hours after the threat was posted.

The Capitals and Penguins play Game 4 in Pittsburgh on Friday night. The series continues in Washington with Game 5 on Saturday night.

Scott Burnside is an NHL reporter for ESPN.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report.