Malkin, Ovechkin raising money for Lokomotiv families

[germany00]

Evgeni Malkin knew he had to do something.

As soon as the Pittsburgh Penguins' star learned about the devastating plane crash in his native Russia on Sept. 7 that killed 44 people, including most of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl team of the Kontinental Hockey League, he was determined to help the families of those who lost their lives.

In Washington, Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin had exactly the same thought.

Both Malkin and Ovechkin have played with members of the Lokomotiv team, and knew some of their wives and family members. While both players contacted those they knew to express their sympathies -- "I told them I would be there for them," Malkin said -- they also wanted to do something for all of those involved.

As a result, two of the NHL's biggest rivals, the Capitals and Penguins, will team up Thursday night during their game at Consol Energy Center to raise money for the crash victims' families. The teams will wear commemorative Lokomotiv patches on their jerseys, which will be autographed and auctioned on NHL.com. The auction will run from Oct. 13-27.

Wives and girlfriends of the Penguins' players also plan to sell remembrance bracelets before and during the game. The Capitals organization sold the bracelets at their home opener Oct. 8.

Those interested in purchasing a bracelet can visit http://www.lo