ovechkin or crosby?

[leftover_crack]

who do like more

alex ovechkin or sydney crosby?

[bood-boy]

ovechkin. hands down.

missed 2, 3 games in his career so far due to injury? other than the time he took off to visit his sick grandpa. and hes in the top 5 in the league in hits? top 3 in scoring, and the 1st in goals, 1st in shots as well i do believe. hes finally learning to develop his short-handed skills and does every facet of the game other than fighting.

crosby is soft. but he's under much more pressure and expectation.

ovechkin can handle himself much better an is a tougher competitor.

the league has an amazingly bright future though, in every position. im very happy we get to watch both of them, and many other premium youth develop and play theyr entire careers for us.

[leftover_crack]

ovechkin. hands down.

missed 2, 3 games in his career so far due to injury? other than the time he took off to visit his sick grandpa. and hes in the top 5 in the league in hits? top 3 in scoring, and the 1st in goals, 1st in shots as well i do believe. hes finally learning to develop his short-handed skills and does every facet of the game other than fighting.

crosby is soft. but he's under much more pressure and expectation.

ovechkin can handle himself much better an is a tougher competitor.

the league has an amazingly bright future though, in every position. im very happy we get to watch both of them, and many other premium youth develop and play theyr entire careers for us.

isn't malkin leading the league in goals?

[bood-boy]

isn't malkin leading the league in goals?

points, not goals.

malkin has like 50 second assists. :S

as much as theyre needed to improve league scoring numbers, and because half of them are actually warranted, i still think the 2nd assist is stupid.

me you and joe are on the ice.

joe passes to me, i pass to you, you pass back to me, i score. joe still gets an assist. how stupid is that?

[Nitz13]

Both are one of the league's best. That being said I hate how both are "poster boys" I mean Crosby is in his early twenties and already has a freaking DVD out, and Ovy loves to showboat. Anyone remember that whole TSN thing with Ovy leading a WSH rockband???

In the poll I'd take Ovy, but overall neither are close to my favourites.

[leftover_crack]

the league has an amazingly bright future though, in every position. im very happy we get to watch both of them, and many other premium youth develop and play theyr entire careers for us.

mainly on the new york islanders

2 1st round picks and mostly likely 1st and last pick

3 2nd round picks

and possibly 2 3rd round picks

but damn i miss Billy Guerin

[leftover_crack]

joe passes to me, i pass to you, you pass back to me, i score. joe still gets an assist. how stupid is that?

well being that im joe it makes perfect sence

[bmaninc]

I don't watch hockey (Yes, I'm Canadian). When I do, its for Ovie. Crosby is a robot.

[back_blows]

Ovechkin. Crosby is a whining *****.

[j_dub_rules]

Malkin beats em both, so yeah him

[nashphx13z]

Ovechkin.

[bierfaht]

ovechkin is a puckhog. sid can do it all. washington won't make it out of the first round

sid won the game for his team today, where ovechkin had the puck on his stick, but couldn't come through.

[Nitz13]

I've often wondered if Ovechkin or Crosby played in the Western Conference would they be as good? The style of play in the west is somewhat more defensive, and I happen to think the west has the better goalies.

[Mex]

Malkin beats em both, so yeah him

*shakes head*

If Malkin played with some grit like Ovechikin does I'd agree. Overall if I'm starting a franchise from scratch I'm picking Ovechkin over Crosby and Malkin to build my team around.

[clashcityrocker10]

Richard Park






All Islanders references aside (yes, I'm an Isles fan), I think Crosby and Ovechkin are both great players, but need to keep both their mouths shut and play hockey. Crosby loves complaining, and Ovechkin loves instigating. They should just let their play, and fists, do the talking if they want to get a point across.

[leftover_crack]

I've often wondered if Ovechkin or Crosby played in the Western Conference would they be as good? The style of play in the west is somewhat more defensive, and I happen to think the west has the better goalies.

cause brodeur and sawchuk wernt 2 of the best goalies ever

[Nitz13]

cause brodeur and sawchuk wernt 2 of the best goalies ever

I'll give the East Brodeur but thats about it. Dunno why you mentioned sawchuck.... he hasn't played for a while. West has Louie, Kipper, Giggy, Mason (8 shutouts anyone?).

[leftover_crack]

I'll give the East Brodeur but thats about it. Dunno why you mentioned sawchuck.... he hasn't played for a while. West has Louie, Kipper, Giggy, Mason (8 shutouts anyone?).

i know sawchuck died almost 40 years ago but i interpreted it in a way that u meant west always had the better goalies

and when i think of the best 3 goalies ever i think of sawchuck roy and brodeur 2 of which were east

[Nitz13]

i know sawchuck died almost 40 years ago but i interpreted it in a way that u meant west always had the better goalies

and when i think of the best 3 goalies ever i think of sawchuck roy and brodeur 2 of which were east

Fair enough, I was talking about this day in age and how Crosby and Ovechkin would fair in the western conference.

I wouldn't argue with those 3 being some of the top goalies ever though.

[Mex]

Roy also had some great season in Colorado (The West) though.

[leftover_crack]

Roy also had some great season in Colorado (The West) though.

thats why i mentioned him

hes also holding the record for most wins
but i think brouder is gonna break that record along with sawchucks shutout record

[gusano311]

seen oveckin score on his ass crosby gets hurt to much and softer then gretzky was .

[zeldazeppelin]

I do not like either unless they started playing for the Ducks. Otherwise I say Crosby.

[bood-boy]

mainly on the new york islanders

2 1st round picks and mostly likely 1st and last pick

3 2nd round picks

and possibly 2 3rd round picks

but damn i miss Billy Guerin

im not talking about a bright future from undrafted players. im talking about a bright future for the current players within the league. look at how much talent in the league is under 25 years old. its unbelievable.

[Mex]

im not talking about a bright future from undrafted players. im talking about a bright future for the current players within the league. look at how much talent in the league is under 25 years old. its unbelievable.

Agreeing with the Boodster on this one. This is the only thing I like about the Salary Cap. Forces teams to start playing their youngsters earlier.

[bermuddy]

i'll take ovechkin . crosby, while a TREMENDOUS player, is simply more marketable.

ovie has a way of getting under people's skin with his antics, like when he went to the draft is that fire red suit. that was only the beginning.

ovie is missing teeth too. you cant play hockey without missing teeth.

[Mex]

i'll take ovechkin . crosby, while a TREMENDOUS player, is simply more marketable.

ovie has a way of getting under people's skin with his antics, like when he went to the draft is that fire red suit. that was only the beginning.

ovie is missing teeth too. you cant play hockey without missing teeth.

I never heard anything about people having a problem with Ovie's antics until Crosby BAWWWWWWWED about it.

[killer_roach]

im not talking about a bright future from undrafted players. im talking about a bright future for the current players within the league. look at how much talent in the league is under 25 years old. its unbelievable.

Yeah... it all started with Kovalchuk and kept going from there (at least he was the person that made it the clearest to me; after all, he was the first NHL player younger than I am. Now quite a few of them are, heh).

Crosby, I think, is the more marketable player mainly because he's Canadian. That being said, I'd rather build a team around Ovechkin, and might take Malkin over either of them (in terms of building a team around, that is; I'd still take Ovechkin for an established system).

[bermuddy]

I never heard anything about people having a problem with Ovie's antics until Crosby BAWWWWWWWED about it.

i cant say ive ever liked him and his showboaty style. my first impression of him was that damned red suit and his eurotrash appearance. maybe i associate that with his on ice play?

[Mex]

i cant say ive ever liked him and his showboaty style. my first impression of him was that damned red suit and his eurotrash appearance. maybe i associate that with his on ice play?

lol @ eurotrash.

To each their own I guess. I think the NHL needs characters like him. He backs up his antics ya know? He's not afraid to play a physical game, mix it up a bit. Maybe you don't like HIM but his style of play??
How can you not love it?

[bood-boy]

lol @ eurotrash.

To each their own I guess. I think the NHL needs characters like him. He backs up his antics ya know? He's not afraid to play a physical game, mix it up a bit. Maybe you don't like HIM but his style of play??
How can you not love it?

like i said, he has every facet of the game covered except fighting. and the with the way things are seemingly going, hes the ideal representative for the league. don cherry can bashthe detroit red wings and the european style of hockey all he wants, but ovechkin is the most canadian-esque euro player ive ever seen. if he celebrated goals like joe sakic and jarome iginla did (without emotion) he would be les excting to watch. theres just somehting about a player howling to the sky in a leaping hug after he sets up a goal thats just awesome. no one brings emotion to the game like he does, while delivering a physical, exciting, and talented complete game. hes tough as nails too.

[bermuddy]

lol @ eurotrash.

To each their own I guess. I think the NHL needs characters like him. He backs up his antics ya know? He's not afraid to play a physical game, mix it up a bit. Maybe you don't like HIM but his style of play??
How can you not love it?

i don't watch hockey anymore. what i know i know from espn highlights or what i read on the interwebz. my heyday was mid to late 90s early 2000s. after the lockout i stopped caring. i'm sloooowly beginning to follow it again.

am i wrong in saying that ovechkin is like a souped up version of jeremy roenick? i want to findmy new JR :(

[Mex]

i don't watch hockey anymore. what i know i know from espn highlights or what i read on the interwebz. my heyday was mid to late 90s early 2000s. after the lockout i stopped caring. i'm sloooowly beginning to follow it again.

am i wrong in saying that ovechkin is like a souped up version of jeremy roenick? i want to findmy new JR :(

Well, to be honest I wouldn't trust ESPN on this one. It wouldn't surprise me if they're trying to brew up some kind of scandal since alot of people in the US don't care for hockey all that much. Canadian media barely mentioned Ovie's suppsed "antics" until Crosby got upset about it, and then Don Cherry sided with Crosby.

Most of the media likes Ovie's style because it makes things interesting for them and the fans.

I can't say JR and Ovie have that much in common. JR would say things to tick people off. Ovie's not really like that. Not even close.

Avery is the new Roenick. At least before his therapy or whatever.

By the way, in my opinion the NHL has been more exciting since they came back from the lockout. You're missing out on some good hockey.

[bermuddy]

Well, to be honest I wouldn't trust ESPN on this one. It wouldn't surprise me if they're trying to brew up some kind of scandal since alot of people in the US don't care for hockey all that much. Canadian media barely mentioned Ovie's suppsed "antics" until Crosby got upset about it, and then Don Cherry sided with Crosby.

Most of the media likes Ovie's style because it makes things interesting for them and the fans.

I can't say JR and Ovie have that much in common. JR would say things to tick people off. Ovie's not really like that. Not even close.

Avery is the new Roenick. At least before his therapy or whatever.

By the way, in my opinion the NHL has been more exciting since they came back from the lockout. You're missing out on some good hockey.


don't you dare compare JR to avery. he'll always be #27 for me. -sniff- the day he left chicago was one of the saddest days of my life. followed by the chelios to detroit trade. clearly his career was over :(

dammit, mex. i'm all mopey now.

[Mex]

don't you dare compare JR to avery. he'll always be #27 for me. -sniff- the day he left chicago was one of the saddest days of my life. followed by the chelios to detroit trade. clearly his career was over :(

dammit, mex. i'm all mopey now.

Crap! Sorry dude. If it's any consolation, Roenick pretty much sucked after he left Chicago.

But Chicago kicks but now. Great young players like Toews and Kane.....

[bood-boy]

Crap! Sorry dude. If it's any consolation, Roenick pretty much sucked after he left Chicago.

But Chicago kicks but now. Great young players like Toews and Kane.....

ummmm might i remind you that the last person to score o the maple leafs in the playoffs was..... ... ......

god damn u JR. were under a roenick curse right now u realize eh mex?

[tims1491]

I like Crosby more because I'm a Pens fan. :)

[bermuddy]

Crap! Sorry dude. If it's any consolation, Roenick pretty much sucked after he left Chicago.

But Chicago kicks but now. Great young players like Toews and Kane.....

yeah, i know, but i'm not as attached to them.

[Mex]

yeah, i know, but i'm not as attached to them.

Cuz you grew up man. Sucks eh?

Could also be because you don't really watch anymore though. I'd chop both my feet off to have young guns like Toews and Kane on my team. Give em a chance.

[bermuddy]

Cuz you grew up man. Sucks eh?

Could also be because you don't really watch anymore though. I'd chop both my feet off to have young guns like Toews and Kane on my team. Give em a chance.

i'm sure its both. id love to watch more, but i dont like the panthers and wacthing hockey on the versus network is MEGA lame. i liked darren pang and steve levy or gary thorne or the guy with the mustache on ESPN. and they had nhl2night which was great.

[Mex]

i'm sure its both. id love to watch more, but i dont like the panthers and wacthing hockey on the versus network is MEGA lame. i liked darren pang and steve levy or gary thorne or the guy with the mustache on ESPN. and they had nhl2night which was great.

Ahhhhhhhh....man I forgot about Versus. We don't have that problem up here. Hockey is King.

You can thank Gary Bettman for that Versus crap.

Supposedly ESPN is interested again, so keep your fingers crossed.

[whofan]

How about neither?

They're both pompous arseholes who are full of themselves. However, if you were to force me to pick one, I would have to go with Crosby. At least he doesn't act like an ass everytime he scores a goal.

These kids NEED to take lessons in humility and class from greats like Wayne Gretzky, Steve Yzerman, Jerome Iginla, Daniel Alfredson, and Danny Heatley. When these guys score(d) goals they celebrated with a fist pump or celebration with team mates, not jumping around like some ADD kid who missed his ritalin doseage.

Both of them have talent, but they both need a slap across the face to get some sense in their heads. Crosby's not as bad as Ovechkin, but I still think that he lacks a lot of class and needs a lesson in humility. It wouldn't hurt if the announcers would stop fellatiating him all the time too. Honestly, I'm watching a Leafs-Sens game, I don't care what Sid the bloody kid is doing tonight, why do you have to mention him in every single broadcast?!

[Mex]

Gretzky liked to celebrate his goals dude.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDj9x6JNDzk

The celebrations by Crosby and Ovechkin aren't even close to the soccer player stuff. God forbid these guys show a little bit of emotion.

[bermuddy]

Gretzky liked to celebrate his goals dude.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDj9x6JNDzk

The celebrations by Crosby and Ovechkin aren't even close to the soccer player stuff. God forbid these guys show a little bit of emotion.
or even the football stuff.
im all for high fives and man hugs after a goal. as long as there is no taunting its all ok.

[Mex]

or even the football stuff.
im all for high fives and man hugs after a goal. as long as there is no taunting its all ok.

Exactly. Just don't taunt the other team on the ice or their bench. It's not like these guys were riding their hockey sticks around on the ice or breakdancing.

[whofan]

Gretzky liked to celebrate his goals dude.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDj9x6JNDzk

The celebrations by Crosby and Ovechkin aren't even close to the soccer player stuff. God forbid these guys show a little bit of emotion.
Yes, Gretzky did celebrate, but he did it in a classy way. Looking at that video I saw only two over-exaggerated fist pumps and the rest were just raising the stick in celebration or celebrating with teammates. You also have to remember that you are viewing these goals out of context. For all we know those two over-exaggerated fist pumps could have been crucial game-winners in the dieing minutes of a do-or-die game, we just don't know from that clipshow. At least he's not throwing himself at the boards and jumping around like it's the 1st of July and he's on an extreme sugar high after every single goal.

Soccer goals are pathetically stupid, and I can see future hockey players getting into that realm because they look up to idiots like Ovechkin. Don Cherry had a perfect piece on it late last month on Hockey Night in Canada, and he really called Ovechkin out on his childish antics and said exactly what I've always thought, that this kind of behaviour is really unsportsmanlike and will set a bad precedent in the future.

He even showed a clip of Ovechkin scoring a goal (a rather unimportant one at that (seeing as the score was already 4-0 in the game)) and going absolutely wild and then followed with a clip of Jerome Iginla scoring his 400th, yes 400th, Career goal, and what did he do? Just a quick fist pump and celebration with his teammates. That's it.... For 400 Career goals, no celebrations worthy of the occasion, just another goal.

[Mex]

Yes, Gretzky did celebrate, but he did it in a classy way. Looking at that video I saw only two over-exaggerated fist pumps and the rest were just raising the stick in celebration or celebrating with teammates.

Ovechkin doesn't always go nuts either. Of course the media is only showing the ones where he's extremely excited about it.

But that's my point. Pick any player in the league and they've had their moments.



You also have to remember that you are viewing these goals out of context. For all we know those two over-exaggerated fist pumps could have been crucial game-winners in the dieing minutes of a do-or-die game, we just don't know from that clipshow. At least he's not throwing himself at the boards and jumping around like it's the 1st of July and he's on an extreme sugar high after every single goal.


I get what you're saying but really, who are we to judge when it's appropriate to celebrate? We don't know what any individual goal means to a player. Maybe a seemingly unimportant goal to us is important to them. Maybe they've been frustrated all game and battled through it, kept pushing. What's the big deal?



Soccer goals are pathetically stupid, and I can see future hockey players getting into that realm because they look up to idiots like Ovechkin.

Never happen. You'll have a handful of guys celebrating and being excited, but it'll never reach the level of soccer.



Don Cherry had a perfect piece on it late last month on Hockey Night in Canada, and he really called Ovechkin out on his childish antics and said exactly what I've always thought, that this kind of behaviour is really unsportsmanlike and will set a bad precedent in the future.


As much as I love Don Cherry he hasn't been "all there" for a good 20 years. If we left it up to Don Cherry every player on the ice would be in the mold of Tie Domi. This is not good for the game.

He also hates Europeans which I think sets a worse precedent than some goal celebrations.





He even showed a clip of Ovechkin scoring a goal (a rather unimportant one at that (seeing as the score was already 4-0 in the game)) and going absolutely wild and then followed with a clip of Jerome Iginla scoring his 400th, yes 400th, Career goal, and what did he do? Just a quick fist pump and celebration with his teammates. That's it.... For 400 Career goals, no celebrations worthy of the occasion, just another goal.

That's cool. But I'd really like to see Iginla having some fun out there. Damn man, Jarome!! CELEBRATE!

[FatWilma]

Ovechkin > Crosby

Don Cherry is a closed-minded, xenophobic a-hole.

[bood-boy]

the great thing about don cherry is that he says things that no one else will say.

[Mex]

the great thing about don cherry is that he says things that no one else will say.

And once in a while they even make sense ;)

[bermuddy]

i like don cherry's suits. outside of that, i've never heard or seen him. God bless America!

[bood-boy]

And once in a while they even make sense ;)

hes the only who who called sundin's decisions how they are. no one else in the media will call him a rental player but him (that ive seen). he is definition rental player.

[Mex]

hes the only who who called sundin's decisions how they are. no one else in the media will call him a rental player but him (that ive seen). he is definition rental player.

I've seen a few others call him on it. Mostly on the radio though.

And I completely agree. He lied man. Flat out lied.

EDIT: Actually I think Kypreos and Watters called him that a week or two ago as well.

[bood-boy]

I've seen a few others call him on it. Mostly on the radio though.

And I completely agree. He lied man. Flat out lied.

EDIT: Actually I think Kypreos and Watters called him that a week or two ago as well.

well yeah cherry called it as soon as he signed. kypreos aint scared to talk **** on ppl either... and yeah the radio can get vile but i dont listen to it, i jsut see hardcore hockey talk on TV sometimes.
i read in the paper a couple weeks ago before the nucks came to town, front page of the sports in the star, something about if you boo sundin you are a fool. i shook my head at it.

i see everything from both sides, he thought we could make it, he was the captain, didnt wanna abandon his team, yadda yadda yadda, well, he abandoned us in the end, and gave us nothing in return. if he REALLY wanted to win a cup, he would have gone somewhere ast year, when he was still in peak physical condition, to go to a contendor who had a better chance than the nucks do this year. he ruined his legacy, the toronto media didnt. he made the choices, we jsut presented them to him.

[Mex]

well yeah cherry called it as soon as he signed. kypreos aint scared to talk **** on ppl either... and yeah the radio can get vile but i dont listen to it, i jsut see hardcore hockey talk on TV sometimes.
i read in the paper a couple weeks ago before the nucks came to town, front page of the sports in the star, something about if you boo sundin you are a fool. i shook my head at it.

i see everything from both sides, he thought we could make it, he was the captain, didnt wanna abandon his team, yadda yadda yadda, well, he abandoned us in the end, and gave us nothing in return. if he REALLY wanted to win a cup, he would have gone somewhere ast year, when he was still in peak physical condition, to go to a contendor who had a better chance than the nucks do this year. he ruined his legacy, the toronto media didnt. he made the choices, we jsut presented them to him.

We're on the same page.

The minute he said he wouldn't waive his NTC I declared him a jerk. He said he wanted to win a cup in Toronto. Oh yeah? When dude? You're 37. Either delusional or lying.

I got into so many arguments with people yappin that he's loyal and blah blah blah.....naw.

He could have gone out a king with what we would have gotten in return. And if he REALLY wanted to play in Toronto, he could have come back as a free agent.

Ah well.

[whofan]

Ovechkin doesn't always go nuts either. Of course the media is only showing the ones where he's extremely excited about it.

But that's my point. Pick any player in the league and they've had their moments.



I get what you're saying but really, who are we to judge when it's appropriate to celebrate? We don't know what any individual goal means to a player. Maybe a seemingly unimportant goal to us is important to them. Maybe they've been frustrated all game and battled through it, kept pushing. What's the big deal?



Never happen. You'll have a handful of guys celebrating and being excited, but it'll never reach the level of soccer.



As much as I love Don Cherry he hasn't been "all there" for a good 20 years. If we left it up to Don Cherry every player on the ice would be in the mold of Tie Domi. This is not good for the game.

He also hates Europeans which I think sets a worse precedent than some goal celebrations.




That's cool. But I'd really like to see Iginla having some fun out there. Damn man, Jarome!! CELEBRATE!
Maybe he doesn't go off every single goal, but he most certainly does more often than not, which I still believe is wrong. Okay, have fun out there, but it doesn't mean you have to act like an arse and essentially rub it in the face of the other team when you score a goal.

And actually I disagree with you about Iginla. What he does is when he scores he's obviously happy, but he's expressing it in an appropriate and classy way. He respects his teammates and his opponents.

Don Cherry may not be "all there" sometimes (especially some of his rants about Europeans and the like), but more often than not he's on the ball about hockey and he's not afraid to say it like it is. All of the announcers are afraid to call Ovechkin what he is, an egotistical showboater. His interviews have even shown (In my opinion) that he has little respect for his opponents.

[Mex]

Maybe he doesn't go off every single goal, but he most certainly does more often than not, which I still believe is wrong. Okay, have fun out there, but it doesn't mean you have to act like an arse and essentially rub it in the face of the other team when you score a goal.

And actually I disagree with you about Iginla. What he does is when he scores he's obviously happy, but he's expressing it in an appropriate and classy way. He respects his teammates and his opponents.

Don Cherry may not be "all there" sometimes (especially some of his rants about Europeans and the like), but more often than not he's on the ball about hockey and he's not afraid to say it like it is. All of the announcers are afraid to call Ovechkin what he is, an egotistical showboater. His interviews have even shown (In my opinion) that he has little respect for his opponents.

I guess I just see it differently. I know Ovechkin celebrates enthusiastically but I've never seen it as rubbing it in or showboating. He's just celebrating.

Are all these hockey players so sensitive that they're getting their feelings hurt? Suck it up. You're men getting paid millions to play a game. I'm sure you can handle it. And if not, instead of BAWWWWING about it, get out there and HIT HIM.

Just don't be surprised if he hits you back.

That's why I like Ovie. He's not hiding from anyone.

[whofan]

I guess I just see it differently. I know Ovechkin celebrates enthusiastically but I've never seen it as rubbing it in or showboating. He's just celebrating.

Are all these hockey players so sensitive that they're getting their feelings hurt? Suck it up. You're men getting paid millions to play a game. I'm sure you can handle it. And if not, instead of BAWWWWING about it, get out there and HIT HIM.

Just don't be surprised if he hits you back.

That's why I like Ovie. He's not hiding from anyone.
Not showboating? Did you not see the clip where after the goal he's sitting on the bench and he calls for the crowd to cheer for him?

How is that not showboating?

[Mex]

Not showboating? Did you not see the clip where after the goal he's sitting on the bench and he calls for the crowd to cheer for him?

How is that not showboating?


Showmanship maybe? What's wrong with getting the crowd involved anyway? Those fans paid a pretty penny to be there.

God damn it's a sporting event not a funeral.

[bood-boy]

Not showboating? Did you not see the clip where after the goal he's sitting on the bench and he calls for the crowd to cheer for him?

How is that not showboating?

do u watch many washington games?
that city is electric nowadays. has washington hockey EVEr been electric?

its amazing what hes done for that franchise. if every franchise had a player like him, no teams would be suffering. he puts fans in the seats, he scores goals, he throws big hits, who cares if he celebrates a little more than he should. he is nothing but positive to the game.

look at pro football. youre telling me those guys arent egotistical? look at baseball, basketball, man... ovechkin is TAME compared to the best players in those sports.

ovechkin deserves to do everything he does cause hes the #1 draw in the league.

[killer_roach]

I don't know, but between the showboater and the whiner, I'll take the showboater.

[whofan]

do u watch many washington games?
that city is electric nowadays. has washington hockey EVEr been electric?

its amazing what hes done for that franchise. if every franchise had a player like him, no teams would be suffering. he puts fans in the seats, he scores goals, he throws big hits, who cares if he celebrates a little more than he should. he is nothing but positive to the game.

look at pro football. youre telling me those guys arent egotistical? look at baseball, basketball, man... ovechkin is TAME compared to the best players in those sports.

ovechkin deserves to do everything he does cause hes the #1 draw in the league.
Gretzky and Yzerman were huge draws as well, and they didn't need to go over the top to do it.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, and Vancouver Canucks all don't have players like him in their line-ups, and yet they still manage to draw very sizeable crowds for EVERY single game (even when they're not in contention for a playoff spot), it's because it's the GAME that matters to fans of these teams. This is the way it should be, but the way it isn't in the states. Americans, for the most part, don't care about their hockey teams unless they're winning, then all of a sudden the city becomes alive and huge hockey fans. It's awful. Canada can support more teams, but the NHL is unwilling to move them up here because there's not as much revenue. Put teams back in Winnipeg, Quebec City and Hamilton and you'll draw a lot of people in and save some of the struggling franchises (I'm looking at you Tampa, Florida and Phoenix). But now, I'm getting off topic.

I'm not saying you can't celebrate period, I'm saying that you should be showing a bit of class when doing it. Ovechkin shows no class in his celebrations, and it just goes to fill up his over-inflated ego. Like I said earlier, it shows low class and it shows little respect for your opponnents (much like his interviews do). But he's not being called on it by anybody (especially NHL announcers, who will take every opportunity to give him BJs, even when he's not playing in the game they're announcing) except Don Cherry, who believes that the kid needs a slap across the head and needs to cool it with the celebrations (at the very least). I agree with him.

How do you properly wind up a crowd? Score goals, get into fights, throw big hits, this should draw people into the game, if you need somebody skating around asking you to call his name, throwing himself at the glass and jumping up and down, well then.... I just don't know.

Dignity and Class, this is what it is all about. If he only did this on rare occassions (like if he was in a scoring draught or it was his 250th goal or something like that), then I wouldn't have a problem with it. However, he does it all the time, he has a huge ego that is growing everyday, he shows little respect for his opponents and he has even alienated friends over it.

I just find it really sad, and I do not look forward to seeing people take his example even higher to the point of soccer stupidity.

[Mex]

The game isn't going to be any better with Ovechkin muzzled Whofan. If anyone needs a muzzle it's Sean Avery. That guy is embarassing.

[whofan]

The game isn't going to be any better with Ovechkin muzzled Whofan. If anyone needs a muzzle it's Sean Avery. That guy is embarassing.
Oh I agree. I think he should have been kicked out of the league for his disgraceful behaviour.

Anyways, I won't argue further with you about it. We'll just have to agree to disagree. You think Ovechkin is a draw, I think he's an arrogant, immature arse. and we'll leave it at that.

[Mex]

Oh I agree. I think he should have been kicked out of the league for his disgraceful behaviour.

Anyways, I won't argue further with you about it. We'll just have to agree to disagree. You think Ovechkin is a draw, I think he's an arrogant, immature arse. and we'll leave it at that.

Fair enough.

[killer_roach]

Oh I agree. I think he should have been kicked out of the league for his disgraceful behaviour.

Pfft. He's just a hazard to himself, and he'll get some bruiser to mess him up for us. Sounds like a fair trade.

I don't take kicking people out of a league lightly... and don't see Avery as being somebody that deserves a ban for what he's done. That aside, I think a team would have to be certifiably insane to sign him, since he is such a locker room cancer, but if somebody thinks they can get something out of him, that's their call.

[FatWilma]

How do you properly wind up a crowd? Score goals, get into fights, throw big hits, this should draw people into the game, if you need somebody skating around asking you to call his name, throwing himself at the glass and jumping up and down, well then.... I just don't know.

Dignity and Class, this is what it is all about. If he only did this on rare occassions (like if he was in a scoring draught or it was his 250th goal or something like that), then I wouldn't have a problem with it. However, he does it all the time, he has a huge ego that is growing everyday, he shows little respect for his opponents and he has even alienated friends over it.

I just find it really sad, and I do not look forward to seeing people take his example even higher to the point of soccer stupidity.

so its ok to get in fights to hype the crowd up, but then u say its all about dignity and class? give me a frickin break. Ovie is the greatest player on the planet. he knows this and the Caps fans know this. we're all just having fun with it.

if there were more players that were even half as exciting to watch as Ovie, maybe hockey would have more national exposure and get more than 10 seconds of coverage on ESPN.


I guess I just see it differently. I know Ovechkin celebrates enthusiastically but I've never seen it as rubbing it in or showboating. He's just celebrating.

Are all these hockey players so sensitive that they're getting their feelings hurt? Suck it up. You're men getting paid millions to play a game. I'm sure you can handle it. And if not, instead of BAWWWWING about it, get out there and HIT HIM.

Just don't be surprised if he hits you back.

That's why I like Ovie. He's not hiding from anyone.

QFT.

[whofan]

so its ok to get in fights to hype the crowd up, but then u say its all about dignity and class? give me a frickin break. Ovie is the greatest player on the planet. he knows this and the Caps fans know this. we're all just having fun with it.

if there were more players that were even half as exciting to watch as Ovie, maybe hockey would have more national exposure and get more than 10 seconds of coverage on ESPN.



QFT.
No, if Americans actually cared about Hockey in their cities, instead of caring just when their teams are winning, then it would get more exposure and more airtime.

The NHL expanded into markets where there is very little interest in Hockey (Tampa, Florida, Phoenix, Anaheim). Look at Tampa's games anymore, where are the throngs of "fans" that cheered them on to the Stanley Cup a couple of years ago? All gone.

Look at Ottawa and Toronto. Ottawa hasn't won a Stanley Cup since it's reinstatement in 1991 and it's still packing in decent crowds right now. Toronto hasn't been anywhere near a cup since the 1960's and they still draw good crowds in regardless.

Canadians care about the game, not the players so much (sometimes the players, but not always). Americans are only interested in their celebrities. Every team has their big players, but we don't abandon our teams if they go somewhere else (Mats Sundin left Toronto and the fans didn't abandon the Leafs because of it). I have a feeling that if Ovechkin were to leave Washington so would the fans. Sorry, but that's the way it is.

[FatWilma]

No, if Americans actually cared about Hockey in their cities, instead of caring just when their teams are winning, then it would get more exposure and more airtime.

The NHL expanded into markets where there is very little interest in Hockey (Tampa, Florida, Phoenix, Anaheim). Look at Tampa's games anymore, where are the throngs of "fans" that cheered them on to the Stanley Cup a couple of years ago? All gone.

Look at Ottawa and Toronto. Ottawa hasn't won a Stanley Cup since it's reinstatement in 1991 and it's still packing in decent crowds right now. Toronto hasn't been anywhere near a cup since the 1960's and they still draw good crowds in regardless.

Canadians care about the game, not the players so much (sometimes the players, but not always). Americans are only interested in their celebrities. Every team has their big players, but we don't abandon our teams if they go somewhere else (Mats Sundin left Toronto and the fans didn't abandon the Leafs because of it). I have a feeling that if Ovechkin were to leave Washington so would the fans. Sorry, but that's the way it is.

wow, Canadians like hockey more than Americans! :eek:

and i hope u're not insinuating that i'm a bandwagon Caps fan, because i've been a fan since way before Ovie came along. Bondra was my favorite player for years before him. having a great player on your team is naturally going to make it more fun to root for them and go to the games. i think this just comes down to a Canadian dislike of Ovie becuase 1. he's the best hockey player in the world, and 2. he's not Canadian.

Hockey in America will never be at the level of what it means to Canadians. but if Canadian hockey is represented by Don Cherry's xenophobia and Crosby's whining, then i'll take the style of hockey in America (and particularly in DC) anyday.

[whofan]

wow, Canadians like hockey more than Americans! :eek:

and i hope u're not insinuating that i'm a bandwagon Caps fan, because i've been a fan since way before Ovie came along. Bondra was my favorite player for years before him. having a great player on your team is naturally going to make it more fun to root for them and go to the games. i think this just comes down to a Canadian dislike of Ovie becuase 1. he's the best hockey player in the world, and 2. he's not Canadian.

Hockey in America will never be at the level of what it means to Canadians. but if Canadian hockey is represented by Don Cherry's xenophobia and Crosby's whining, then i'll take the style of hockey in America (and particularly in DC) anyday.
I am by no means insinuating that you are a bandwagon fan, I have no idea about your personal attitudes towards hockey. However, I was talking in a general sense.

Actually, it comes down to this. I dislike Ovechkin because:
1) He's got an ego the size of the stadium he plays in
2) He's disrespectful towards his opponents
3) He has little class
4) I have to constantly hear about how "super uber amazing" he is whenever I watch a hockey broadcast, even if he's not playing. The NHL is really trying to ram him down our throats, and I absolutely despise that.
5) He's not the best in the world, he doesn't come anywhere near the greatness of Gretzky or Yzerman.

The man has talent, I will give him that, but he's got a lot to learn still.

I don't like Don Cherry's Xenophobia either, same goes for Crosby (you'll see that I spoke out against him as well earlier in this thread). However, for a true representation of Canadian hockey, all you have to look to is Gretzky and Yzerman, two of the classiest guys to ever play the sport, and both are some of the best players this game has ever seen.

[bood-boy]

ovechkin is how old.... 24? 25? OF COURSE HE HAS A LOT TO LEARN. hes a kid still. and, yes, he's the best player currently playing in the world.

and i cant believe you quoted 6 canadian cities for having draws. opf course canadian cities draw crowds. that goes without saying.

its pretty easy to list 2 of the best players of all time and say he's not them. no one will ever be wayne. and no one will ever be stevie. and detroit is 'Hockeytown USA'... and he didnt ALWAYS draw fans in detroit, they had many years where they were terrible with him.

the fact of the matter is this... ovechkin is, and will continue to put fans in the seats, and if he were to get traded to pheonix, i bet he'd put fans in the seats there as well. if u can do it in washington, u can probbly do it anywhere. whether u like his antics or not. he's an incredible player.

[BYC]

I'd definitely take Ovie. He actually made me watch NHL again in years. The HD helps a ton. HD hockey is a good thing.

[fiedy88]

god, crosby is such a punk. i wanna punch him in the throat.

[FatWilma]

I am by no means insinuating that you are a bandwagon fan, I have no idea about your personal attitudes towards hockey. However, I was talking in a general sense.

Actually, it comes down to this. I dislike Ovechkin because:
1) He's got an ego the size of the stadium he plays in
2) He's disrespectful towards his opponents
3) He has little class
4) I have to constantly hear about how "super uber amazing" he is whenever I watch a hockey broadcast, even if he's not playing. The NHL is really trying to ram him down our throats, and I absolutely despise that.
5) He's not the best in the world, he doesn't come anywhere near the greatness of Gretzky or Yzerman.

The man has talent, I will give him that, but he's got a lot to learn still.

I don't like Don Cherry's Xenophobia either, same goes for Crosby (you'll see that I spoke out against him as well earlier in this thread). However, for a true representation of Canadian hockey, all you have to look to is Gretzky and Yzerman, two of the classiest guys to ever play the sport, and both are some of the best players this game has ever seen.

i'll clarify by saying Ovie is the best player in the world right now. i don't even think you could disagree with that.

the game has changed. sports are just another form of entertainment, and Ovie is a genuine showman. i completely disagree with u that he's disrespectful and has no class. how can u even say that when 99% of hockey players push and shove and talk trash after each whistle? hockey is a fast-paced, high energy, violent sport. players are ultra-competitive and nobody moreso than Ovie.

yes, Ovie is a young, super rich, mega-star athelete. i'll excuse him for having an ego as long as he keeps entertaining me and winning games for the Caps night in and night out.

[whofan]

ovechkin is how old.... 24? 25? OF COURSE HE HAS A LOT TO LEARN. hes a kid still. and, yes, he's the best player currently playing in the world.

and i cant believe you quoted 6 canadian cities for having draws. opf course canadian cities draw crowds. that goes without saying.

its pretty easy to list 2 of the best players of all time and say he's not them. no one will ever be wayne. and no one will ever be stevie. and detroit is 'Hockeytown USA'... and he didnt ALWAYS draw fans in detroit, they had many years where they were terrible with him.

the fact of the matter is this... ovechkin is, and will continue to put fans in the seats, and if he were to get traded to pheonix, i bet he'd put fans in the seats there as well. if u can do it in washington, u can probbly do it anywhere. whether u like his antics or not. he's an incredible player.
I never said that the man doesn't have talent, I acknowledged that he most certainly does. And I will agree that he is one of the best players in the world playing the game right now, but that doesn't mean that I have to like the guy at all.

FatWilma, we'll have to agree to disagree, otherwise we're going to go on and on and on and on... well, you get the picture.

I just really wish that the NHL would really stop trying to ram this guy (and Crosby) down my throat like I have to like him in order to be a hockey fan.

[OrdealByFire]

I prefer Crosby because he doesn't act like a total douche after he scores a goal.

[Mex]

I prefer Crosby because he doesn't act like a total douche after he scores a goal.

Naw he just does it the rest of the time ;)

It's a joke people.

Ovie's the best player in the world right now, I agree with that. And hey, ZOMG, he even does things that Gretzky never did. Like hit people. ZOMG BLASPHEMY!
:cool:

[FatWilma]

I never said that the man doesn't have talent, I acknowledged that he most certainly does. And I will agree that he is one of the best players in the world playing the game right now, but that doesn't mean that I have to like the guy at all.

FatWilma, we'll have to agree to disagree, otherwise we're going to go on and on and on and on... well, you get the picture.

I just really wish that the NHL would really stop trying to ram this guy (and Crosby) down my throat like I have to like him in order to be a hockey fan.

thats fine, but the league is just doing what they have to do in order to promote the sport. obviously Ovechkin vs. Crosby is a hot topic and will stay that way for years to come.

and really, criticizing a star athelete becuase they have an ego? what superstar athelete gets to that level without having high self-esteem and confidence in themselves? not many, and certainly not Crosby either.

[bierfaht]

i wish people would stop saying a guy jumping around like an idiot actually makes them want to watch hockey, as if the spectacular plays that lead to the goals beforehand just don't cut it on their own. I LOVE hockey more than other sports BECAUSE their players are about their team, and not their own personal gain. if people want to root for the allen iverson of hockey (flashy player who hoists a ridiculous number of shots, doesn't win anything) then go for it....

crazy thing about Crosby, re: maturity. The frontrunner for the Calder this year is Bobby Ryan of Anaheim. He was the 2nd pick, behind Crosby, and is older than Crosby. This is Sid's 4th full season of NHL play.

[bood-boy]

who remember when Jason Spezza punched Crosby in the chest, and Crosby fell over crying like he had jsut been shot by a rifle?

that was the day that proved crosby is the biggest baby ever. like cmon, its SPEZZA punching you. does he cry during pillow fights too?

EDIT: id give mason the nod for calder before bobby ryan in a heartbeat.

[killer_roach]

I prefer Crosby because he doesn't act like a total douche after he scores a goal.

If he did, how could you tell? :D

[FatWilma]

if people want to root for the allen iverson of hockey (flashy player who hoists a ridiculous number of shots, doesn't win anything) then go for it....

so wait, are u saying thats Ovie?!?

just as u said about Crosby, its also Ovie's 4th full season, and neither of them have won anything yet (unless u want to count the Calder, Richard, Art Ross, Pearson, and Hart trophies for Ovie ;)).

[leftover_crack]

im not talking about a bright future from undrafted players. im talking about a bright future for the current players within the league. look at how much talent in the league is under 25 years old. its unbelievable.

well john taveres broke the record for most goals ever in the ohl

that says alot

[leftover_crack]

he (ovie) puts fans in the seats

even for away games he sell tickets i actually went to an islander game just to see him play

and im an islander fan

[bierfaht]

so wait, are u saying thats Ovie?!?

just as u said about Crosby, its also Ovie's 4th full season, and neither of them have won anything yet (unless u want to count the Calder, Richard, Art Ross, Pearson, and Hart trophies for Ovie ;)).

i'm talking about the other guy that is leading the league in shots by more than 120, despite being ranked like 100th in shooting percentage

:D
sid has lots of awards too, and he is 2 years younger.

[Nucks4cup]

I will take "The Great 8" over Cindy any day. Heck Cindy isn't even the best player on his team. Malkin is. And if you players don't like seeing AO celebrate all they have to do is stop him from scoring....... O wait they can't

[FatWilma]

i'm talking about the other guy that is leading the league in shots by more than 120, despite being ranked like 100th in shooting percentage

:D
sid has lots of awards too, and he is 2 years younger.

so u fault him because he gets the puck a ton? at least he shoots it when he gets chances. i'm pretty sure thats how u score in hockey...

2 years younger, give me a break! who has the rookie of the year trophy, hmm...

[Nitz13]

I just really wish that the NHL would really stop trying to ram this guy (and Crosby) down my throat like I have to like him in order to be a hockey fan.
This.
Like I said earlier Crosby already has a freaking DVD and he's been around for 4 seasons....

[bierfaht]

so u fault him because he gets the puck a ton? at least he shoots it when he gets chances. i'm pretty sure thats how u score in hockey...

2 years younger, give me a break! who has the rookie of the year trophy, hmm...

i fault him because he takes a ton of bad shots (hence the garbage shooting %) despite the fact that he plays with elite talents like semin, green and backstrom, who would be even more impressive if ovie ever returned the favor and set them up. you win in hockey by making plays, not mindlessly flinging the puck at the net over and over again.
13 penguins have better shooting % than ovalchicken

i never said ovie did not have the rookie of the year, merely that he is more than 2 years older, and would have been the calder if he had been able to play in the lockout year, and that the season sid had at the age of 18 is unprecedented.

[xTerp]

since I'm a Flyers fan, Ovechkin.

[TheClashTheClashTheClash]

Crosby is a *****

[FatWilma]

i fault him because he takes a ton of bad shots (hence the garbage shooting %) despite the fact that he plays with elite talents like semin, green and backstrom, who would be even more impressive if ovie ever returned the favor and set them up. you win in hockey by making plays, not mindlessly flinging the puck at the net over and over again.
13 penguins have better shooting % than ovalchicken

i never said ovie did not have the rookie of the year, merely that he is more than 2 years older, and would have been the calder if he had been able to play in the lockout year, and that the season sid had at the age of 18 is unprecedented.

Ovie lead the league in points last year, he sets people up all the time. there is a reason why there is no award given to highest shooting %. its not an important stat. your arguement is baseless.

Ovie was drafted the year before the lockout and Crosby, so they had the same rookie year. Ovie was better than him then too. so yes, the only way Crosby would've won is if he didn't have to compete against Ovie.

[bierfaht]

Ovie lead the league in points last year, he sets people up all the time. there is a reason why there is no award given to highest shooting %. its not an important stat. your arguement is baseless.

Ovie was drafted the year before the lockout and Crosby, so they had the same rookie year. Ovie was better than him then too. so yes, the only way Crosby would've won is if he didn't have to compete against Ovie.

although there is something to be said for getting the puck on net, of course shooting percentage is an important stat. by passing to some of his elite linemates to take better shots, a few percentage points from his massive total of shots would result in 20 more goals for his team this year! couldn't he caps use 20 more goals? sid has way more assists playing on a line with pascal dupuis and miro satan for most of the year, and malkin leads the league, playing with ruslan fedotanko and peter sykora. the caps will never win anything until ovie learns that hockey is a team game

[Mex]

Ovie lead the league in points last year, he sets people up all the time. there is a reason why there is no award given to highest shooting %. its not an important stat. your arguement is baseless.

Ovie was drafted the year before the lockout and Crosby, so they had the same rookie year. Ovie was better than him then too. so yes, the only way Crosby would've won is if he didn't have to compete against Ovie.

Shooting percentage is definitely an important stat. Taking bad shots can cost you a game. Having said that, pretty much every sniper that's ever played the game has taken A LOT of shots. Ovie isn't perfect, he could probably choose his shots better. But I wouldn't call him a puck hog. He's the guy on Washington that should be taking the shots, plain and simple.

As long as Washington is winning all will be well.

[FatWilma]

Shooting percentage is definitely an important stat. Taking bad shots can cost you a game. Having said that, pretty much every sniper that's ever played the game has taken A LOT of shots. Ovie isn't perfect, he could probably choose his shots better. But I wouldn't call him a puck hog. He's the guy on Washington that should be taking the shots, plain and simple.

As long as Washington is winning all will be well.

thanks for clarifying my point.

bierfaht - couldn't any team use 20 more points? the caps are 5th in total team points and 6th in goals per game, all higher than the Pens i might add. nice try tho, keep 'em coming!

[bood-boy]

Shooting percentage is definitely an important stat. Taking bad shots can cost you a game. Having said that, pretty much every sniper that's ever played the game has taken A LOT of shots. Ovie isn't perfect, he could probably choose his shots better. But I wouldn't call him a puck hog. He's the guy on Washington that should be taking the shots, plain and simple.

As long as Washington is winning all will be well.

how many "missed shots" turn into healthy rebounds that end up being an assist for the player though?

[FatWilma]

how many "missed shots" turn into healthy rebounds that end up being an assist for the player though?

ding ding ding! we have a winnah! :D

[Rock_Band_Over]

C'mon... this isn't basketball. Just getting a shot on goal is an accomplishment in hockey or soccer, which is why it's kept as a stat. If anything, I think SOG is far more important than Shooting %.

There's rarely a bad shot in hockey, unless maybe someone is just flinging the rubber from the red line and there's no traffic in front of the goalie (but even those go in sometimes).

Back to the original poll, it's no coincidence that so many people other than Penguins fans and Canadian homers dislike Crosby. I think hockey fans are generally sophisticated enough to appreciate talented class acts like Sakic, Yzerman, Datsyuk, Francis, Lidstrom, etc. even if they play for their most hated rivals.

Crosby seems to be of a different mold so far but maybe he can stop saying and doing things that detract from his image, which is supposed to be "The Next One." Not punching people in the groin from behind would be a good start.

[FatWilma]

Not punching people in the groin from behind would be a good start.

lol, nice one! great post.

[bierfaht]

C'mon... this isn't basketball. Just getting a shot on goal is an accomplishment in hockey or soccer, which is why it's kept as a stat. If anything, I think SOG is far more important than Shooting %.

There's rarely a bad shot in hockey, unless maybe someone is just flinging the rubber from the red line and there's no traffic in front of the goalie (but even those go in sometimes).

Back to the original poll, it's no coincidence that so many people other than Penguins fans and Canadian homers dislike Crosby. I think hockey fans are generally sophisticated enough to appreciate talented class acts like Sakic, Yzerman, Datsyuk, Francis, Lidstrom, etc. even if they play for their most hated rivals.

Crosby seems to be of a different mold so far but maybe he can stop saying and doing things that detract from his image, which is supposed to be "The Next One." Not punching people in the groin from behind would be a good start.

agree to disagree on the "Shots vs shooting percentage" argument.
as far as the Crosby hate, i think it has more to do with the media than anything. He has been hyped since he became a teenager as the "next great player" and has been relentlessly hyped by the NHL, reebok, etc.... he was a little mouthy when he first came into the league at barely 18 years old, but he has grown up into a humble, team-first captain barely young enough to drink here in the US. he gets the attention of the other teams, who love to rough him up, and he just plays. who forgets in his first year, when derian hatcher knocked out 2 of crosby's teeth, and crosby scored the game-winning goal that game? He is never going to be Mario or Gretzky. He is a better version of Peter Forsberg, which is still elite, but the average NHL fan wants more flash than ridiculous behind the back passes that set up goals, apparently.
as far, Ovie, there are so many youtube examples of him cheapshotting players, and napping at the red line (like on the guerin to crosby goal on sunday)...

[FatWilma]

the average NHL fan wants more flash than ridiculous behind the back passes that set up goals, apparently.
as far, Ovie, there are so many youtube examples of him cheapshotting players, and napping at the red line (like on the guerin to crosby goal on sunday)...

oh, excuse me for wanting to be entertained while i also happen to watch the most prolific goal scorer in the league.

and how can u bring up cheapshots when defending Crosby? he's punched a number of players in the back of the head and threw a punch during a faceoff, c'mon! at least Ovie goes for hits during the coarse of the game.

every player takes short breaks while on ice to conserve energy. Ovie is a forward, not a defender, but here's a REAL stat for you: Ovie is currently +12, and they've been in a funk the past 4 games. the Pens have been hot lately and Crosby is still only a +4. interesting huh?

[bood-boy]

Ovie, there are so many youtube examples of him cheapshotting players, and napping at the red line (like on the guerin to crosby goal on sunday)...

jsut like don cherry pulled up all those 'cheap shots' from datsyuk a couple weeks ago on coachs corner?

those were the WORST examples of cheap shots ive ever seen.

ovechkin is hardly a dirty player. and i can say that with confidence as i think ive watched 50+ capitals games each season over the past 3 seasons.

[Rock_Band_Over]

^^^

Well, personally I don't question Crosby's skill and never thought ego was an issue in his case... and like people have said, he's not the only one flopping or taking cheap shots. But I think it really rubs people the wrong way that he's so whiny and vocal about it before/during/after the game (what other elite player does that?) and then vehemently denies that he's "that kind of player" when he's accused of it himself.

The irrational infatuation of the hockey media doesn't help, but no, that's not his fault. All in all, it's just a shame that he can't live up to being a better 'face of the NHL'. He's kind of like the A-Rod of it... all the potential to be a legend is there, but he too often makes headlines for the wrong reasons and it's no one else's fault but his own.

[killer_roach]

jsut like don cherry pulled up all those 'cheap shots' from datsyuk a couple weeks ago on coachs corner?

those were the WORST examples of cheap shots ive ever seen.

ovechkin is hardly a dirty player. and i can say that with confidence as i think ive watched 50+ capitals games each season over the past 3 seasons.

Cherry would've called them "gutsy plays" if Datsyuk's last name was Donovan and he was from Manitoba rather than Moscow :)

[bierfaht]

oh, excuse me for wanting to be entertained while i also happen to watch the most prolific goal scorer in the league.

and how can u bring up cheapshots when defending Crosby? he's punched a number of players in the back of the head and threw a punch during a faceoff, c'mon! at least Ovie goes for hits during the coarse of the game.

every player takes short breaks while on ice to conserve energy. Ovie is a forward, not a defender, but here's a REAL stat for you: Ovie is currently +12, and they've been in a funk the past 4 games. the Pens have been hot lately and Crosby is still only a +4. interesting huh?

ovie would not need those "breaks" if he took regular shifts

[KISSfan84]

Where's the "Neither" option?
Ovechkin is a puck hog and Crosby is a whiner. Also, there's more to the game than just scoring goals...a little something that can win games called DEFENSE.

My vote would go to Pavel Datsyuk--he's more of a complete player.
Face off % this year:
Datsyuk--57%
Crosby--51.2%
Ovechkin--25%

+/- last year playoffs, this year and for the last 4 years total (Reg season):
Datsyuk--+13, +26, +129
Crosby--+7, +4, +31
Ovechkin-- -1, +12, +23

Also, Crosby got schooled in last year's finals against the Red Wings, scoring 2 goals with 4 assists in 6 games, while The Caps couldn't even reach the 2nd round.

The +/- numbers really tell the story here.
:cool:

[leftover_crack]

(like on the guerin to crosby goal on sunday)...

i hate how this is true

[greyguys]

I hate both of them

I'm a red wings fan

so go wings

[Mex]

I hate both of them

I'm a red wings fan

so go wings

Need a goalie.

[killer_roach]

Need a goalie.

Need some defensemen before a goalie. Chelios is ancient, Lilja and Lebda are hazards to themselves, Rafalski is inconsistent on the defensive end...

[bood-boy]

i can only imagine what ovechkins numbers would be like if he was on the red wings. swap ovechkin and datsyuk on each others teams, and ovechkins numbers would speak for themselves ;) and he would put way more fans in the seats than datsyuk does.

EDIT: and i dont know why you call ovechkin a puck hog. why wouldnt you want the guy who has the deadliest shot since brett hull to shoot the puck?!? earlier in the year, when he was passing lots, he was being criticised for not shooting enough for that reason. and do you not think their teams offense is somewhat designed around getting him the puck for the shots?

[Mex]

Need some defensemen before a goalie. Chelios is ancient, Lilja and Lebda are hazards to themselves, Rafalski is inconsistent on the defensive end...

I still say add a goalie first. Adding one guy is easier than 3 or 4.


i can only imagine what ovechkins numbers would be like if he was on the red wings. swap ovechkin and datsyuk on each others teams, and ovechkins numbers would speak for themselves ;) and he would put way more fans in the seats than datsyuk does.


This is true. Datsyuk is as marketable as.......herpes.

[Starfleet_Rambo]

Alex Ovechkin.

Crosby is too purty for hockey.

[killer_roach]

I still say add a goalie first. Adding one guy is easier than 3 or 4.

Not sure how much even the league's best goalie would do if Rafalski coughs up the puck fifteen feet from the net, though. The announcers for the Detroit/Columbus game were mentioning that of the goals that Osgood allowed (and there were plenty), only one could really be on him.

Also, with the moronic hard cap in the NHL, it'll be easier to clean house with the aging defensemen and pick up some free agents or prospects than to pick up a top-flight goalie with a salary to match.

[Mex]

Not sure how much even the league's best goalie would do if Rafalski coughs up the puck fifteen feet from the net, though. The announcers for the Detroit/Columbus game were mentioning that of the goals that Osgood allowed (and there were plenty), only one could really be on him.

Also, with the moronic hard cap in the NHL, it'll be easier to clean house with the aging defensemen and pick up some free agents or prospects than to pick up a top-flight goalie with a salary to match.

I don't like the hard cap either.

Pascal Leclaire was available. Ottawa gave up next to nothing for him and even got a 2nd rounder in the deal. Columbus got robbed. Of course Leclaire wouldn't help Detroit this year, but they'd be set for a while.

[ianroon]

Ovechkin IS the SH!T=]

[KISSfan84]

i can only imagine what ovechkins numbers would be like if he was on the red wings. swap ovechkin and datsyuk on each others teams, and ovechkins numbers would speak for themselves ;) and he would put way more fans in the seats than datsyuk does.

This is the same argument I had for the numbers that #99 put up while with Edmonton; easy to do when you've got people like Messier, Kurri, and Coffey playing with you.
Ovechkin's style of play is not sought after in Detroit; you've gotta play defense there. And having grown up and spent most of my life in the Detroit area, I can honestly say that Ovechkin wouldn't be the draw in Detroit that you think. Detroit is a blue-collar town that especially loves it's hockey team and knows the game. Steve Yzerman wasn't truly loved until he became the 2-way player who took his team to 4 Cup Finals and 3 Cup wins. Detroit loves a winner, but it gives it's heart to the guys who play their guts out and play for their team and their city.
Barry Sanders only won 1 playoff game while with the Lions, but he was the best running back I've EVER had the pleasure of watching. No celebrations or dancing or finger pointing; just throw the ref the ball and get ready for the next play, even when he just ran 50 yards for a TD. Pure class. We've had guys like Alan Trammell, Vinnie Johnson, oh, and the Wings have another class act; Nick Lidstrom. Player's like Ovechkin, even if they do happen to come to Detroit, rarely fit in and are usually ridden out of town.
:cool:

[whofan]

I don't like the hard cap either.

Pascal Leclaire was available. Ottawa gave up next to nothing for him and even got a 2nd rounder in the deal. Columbus got robbed. Of course Leclaire wouldn't help Detroit this year, but they'd be set for a while.
Detroit needs someone to help them now, Ottawa doesn't. Ottawa is well out of the race and knows it. They are looking to get someone to make a run next year, when we've improved our team enough to actually make a run.

Pascal Leclaire will be the dependable backstop that has eluded Ottawa for so long, however he did come at a price. While Vermette had a pretty lousy year this year (as has the rest of the team in all honesty), he was a fantastic player for Ottawa and perhaps on another team he can continue to put up the numbers he did in previous seasons.

Anyways, Ottawa is rebuilding this year and going after Pascal Leclaire was the smartest thing they have done so far (also the Comerie/Campoli trade has really paid off by giving us a fantastic puck moving defenceman that we so sorely missed)

[bermuddy]

This is true. Datsyuk is as marketable as.......herpes.

i saw a great herpes commercial the other day. almost made go out and get one.

[Nitz13]

I still say add a goalie first. Adding one guy is easier than 3 or 4.

It goes both ways:

You have a great defensive core, but your goalie is sub par and lets one or two weak goals in a game. That can deflate the teams emotion and morale.

On the other hand you can have an excellent goalie in net but a crappy defense who turns over the puck and gives up a ton of chances in close. Makes the goalie look bad even if he has no chance.

I prefer a solid goalie who doesn't let a squeaker in every game. However I'm biased since I have one of the top 3 goalies (Louie) playing for my home team :D

[bood-boy]

This is the same argument I had for the numbers that #99 put up while with Edmonton; easy to do when you've got people like Messier, Kurri, and Coffey playing with you.
Ovechkin's style of play is not sought after in Detroit; you've gotta play defense there. And having grown up and spent most of my life in the Detroit area, I can honestly say that Ovechkin wouldn't be the draw in Detroit that you think. Detroit is a blue-collar town that especially loves it's hockey team and knows the game. Steve Yzerman wasn't truly loved until he became the 2-way player who took his team to 4 Cup Finals and 3 Cup wins. Detroit loves a winner, but it gives it's heart to the guys who play their guts out and play for their team and their city.
Barry Sanders only won 1 playoff game while with the Lions, but he was the best running back I've EVER had the pleasure of watching. No celebrations or dancing or finger pointing; just throw the ref the ball and get ready for the next play, even when he just ran 50 yards for a TD. Pure class. We've had guys like Alan Trammell, Vinnie Johnson, oh, and the Wings have another class act; Nick Lidstrom. Player's like Ovechkin, even if they do happen to come to Detroit, rarely fit in and are usually ridden out of town.
:cool:


umm bob probert? rememmber that guy? one of the biggst draws in ur hockey towns history.

and football is the easiest sport to draw fans to in america, so u cannot compare football draws to hockey draws in the USA.

and last i checked, Hossa wasnt the most defensive player ive ever seen, and he's fit in perfectly.

[KISSfan84]

umm bob probert? rememmber that guy? one of the biggst draws in ur hockey towns history.

and football is the easiest sport to draw fans to in america, so u cannot compare football draws to hockey draws in the USA.

and last i checked, Hossa wasnt the most defensive player ive ever seen, and he's fit in perfectly.

You're going back to when hockey was a completely different game; every team had a bruiser or two. Fighting brought fans to games back then. Probert was a gritty player, but he didn't last long in Detroit because of a serious drug problem and didn't always give 100%.

I can compare football draws when the team totally reeks, as the Lions have for a long time. When Barry played, he alone could sell out a game.

Hossa's +/- last year with the Pens was -14, this year with the Wings it's plus 17. He must have learned to play some D this year. He also has more goals than last year averaging over 3 minutes less ice time than last year with the Pens.

I also remember a guy named Juan Gonzalez; came to the Tigers in 2000 after hitting a ton of home runs in Texas. He lasted all of 1 year before practically being chased out of town.
:cool:

[killer_roach]

Heck, the Lions still sell out games on occasion... how, I don't know... probably just a function of how cheap their tickets are compared to Wings tickets.

And yes, KISSfan84, Hossa's been playing some pretty good defense from the forward position this year. Not going to confuse him with Zetterberg or Datsyuk, but he's probably up there with Cleary and Holmstrom, and a far sight better than the washed-up Draper or McCarty.

[Mex]

i saw a great herpes commercial the other day. almost made go out and get one.

A herpe?

[bermuddy]

A herpe?

yeah, but just one. i found it to be quite marketable.

[Mex]

yeah, but just one. i found it to be quite marketable.

You should name it Ovechkin.