Ovechkin probably won't refuse. He doesn't have much of a "winning reputation" to lose when Russia gets trounced in the World Cup.
"Khabibulin, Stanley Cup winner, gets shelled in 15-0 Russia Loss"
"Sergei Fedorov, 3-time Stanley Cup Winner, Confused After Russia loses 18-1"
But players really don't have an excuse other than injury to not play for their national team. Especially when their country needs them so desperately. This just shows that they care more about their image than they do about whether or not their country gets shelled and embarassed in front of the world. It's their job to do as much as they can to help, not to sit in the sidelines waiting until everything is all lined up perfectly so they can take the easy ride to gold. I am absolutely sickened by this selfishness on the part of these Russian players.