I have seen the future, and his name is AO

I'm a huge Forsberg fan, but after watching the Russia-Canada game, the best player in the world right now is Alexander Ovechkin. What a completely awesome player.

All that speed, stickhandling, physical play, shot, and energy... he will not be contained.

Crosby will undoubtedly shine if Olympics goes pro again in the next olympics, but right now this is Ovechkins show.

Speed is the future, and players who have it will score goals, goals... goals....

I know what you mean, I don't know what he eats or what he drinks..but simply put this guy is a machine. I have never seen a player in the history of hockey combine such speed and thougness and stick handling into one..never!

Agreed 200%

Couldnt disagree more..... is ao a good player, yes. But.... has anyone looked at the number of shots he takes????? Today against canada was a good example. Every time he carried the puck up the ice he shoots, Canada seemed to pick up on that mid second period. I think there are quite a few players in the nhl, some even not in the nhl that would produce as many goals as ao given that many shots...... JMO

I think there are quite a few players in the nhl, some even not in the nhl that would produce as many goals as ao given that many shots...... JMO

Then they should shoot more? :dunno:

Couldnt disagree more..... is ao a good player, yes. But.... has anyone looked at the number of shots he takes????? Today against canada was a good example. Every time he carried the puck up the ice he shoots, Canada seemed to pick up on that mid second period. I think there are quite a few players in the nhl, some even not in the nhl that would produce as many goals as ao given that many shots...... JMO
Dude you're funny..but seriously hockey isn't for you!

Ao > Sc

Ao > Sc

ah shut up

Dude you're funny..but seriously hockey isn't for you!

Who is leading the nhl in shots? ao.... 283... thats shots on goal, not the wild misses from flinging it toward the net. Shooting percentage.. 12.7

So.. shooting the puck is a bad thing now?

So.. shooting the puck is a bad thing now?
It should be banned.

Couldnt disagree more..... is ao a good player, yes. But.... has anyone looked at the number of shots he takes????? Today against canada was a good example. Every time he carried the puck up the ice he shoots, Canada seemed to pick up on that mid second period. I think there are quite a few players in the nhl, some even not in the nhl that would produce as many goals as ao given that many shots...... JMO
Yeah, just drop 'em into the slot and let em shoot, eh? How are they going to get into scoring positions and generate those shots- ever thought about that, big brain?

AO is great, just great. He has to be more patient when he enters the zone sometimes... actually, I am going to stop - I don't feel like talking about flaws in his game, on this day!!!
Physically, he's an alien, that's for sure.

and, what would another sterling Ovechkin outing be without an accompanying quote?

Asked what his countrymen back home were thinking, Ovechkin said, "Everybody in my country is jumping, I think, and everybody at the Olympics will drink lots of vodka."

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/torino2006/ice_hockey/news?slug=ap-hkm-russia-canada&prov=ap&type=lgns

the kid is a statesman!

You can't score if you dont shoot. The reason why he takes so many shots is because he creates so many opportunities for himself. Its not as if he walks past the center line and fires it on net hoping to score. To take anything away from him because of the amount of shots he takes is ridiculous considering his team and the fact that he has 36 nhl goals in his rookie season.

and, what would another sterling Ovechkin outing be without an accompanying quote?

Asked what his countrymen back home were thinking, Ovechkin said, "Everybody in my country is jumping, I think, and everybody at the Olympics will drink lots of vodka."

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/torino2006/ice_hockey/news?slug=ap-hkm-russia-canada&prov=ap&type=lgns

the kid is a statesman!

A true PATRIOT ! :handclap: :bow: :clap: :clap: :clap:

wodka wodka wodka cranberry juice

Couldnt disagree more..... is ao a good player, yes. But.... has anyone looked at the number of shots he takes????? Today against canada was a good example. Every time he carried the puck up the ice he shoots, Canada seemed to pick up on that mid second period. I think there are quite a few players in the nhl, some even not in the nhl that would produce as many goals as ao given that many shots...... JMO

If you could shoot like Ovechkin, you'd pass less.

And yeah, he had 3 less shots than Kovalchuck.

to be honest in the 1st period I was literally bagning my head against the wall :banghead: because he was just rushing into Canada's zone at 200 mph and never made a pass.

Well, in the end, he did make 1 pass (an unreal 1 handed pass meant to just dump the puck deep in the corner/keep it in the zone), and it led to his GW goal. :bow:

How ingenious this thread is!! Ovechkin is the future?? Noooooooooo, I never realized!! :sarcasm:

Yes, AO is great everybody knows that by now.

AO does shoot too much. he tries to make plays by himself too often. he does many other good things, tho. like the diving stick-check/pass to kozlov that led to his g.

at least he's attacking the D and drawing penalties. kovalchuk, otoh, has been terrible. he just skates in and shoots. i still think he should play w/ malkin.

Every time Ovechkin was on the ice in the third period I was very nervous. He is the future superstar of the NHL.

Who is leading the nhl in shots? ao.... 283... thats shots on goal, not the wild misses from flinging it toward the net. Shooting percentage.. 12.7

What are you trying to say? It makes no sense. AO excels because he shoots the puck? If only other NHLers would shoot the puck as much, they would be as good as AO?

Sorry buddy, but shooting the puck is not easy and is the key to scoring and winning games in this sport we call hockey. AO gets huge numbers of quality shots off that very few other NHLers could do. The thing I think about watching AO is his tenacity. Yeah, he's a bit of a show-off and he always tries to score - but that's what makes him successful. Nomatter what the chances are, he'll shoot anyway and you'll see ridculous plays like him rolling on the ice on his back, shovelling the puck in with the tip of his stick and scoring.

Every time Ovechkin was on the ice in the third period I was very nervous. He is the future superstar of the NHL.

He might be the superstar right now, the kid is simply amazing. :bow:

Hopefully by the 2010 games Phaneuf can shut him down the way he did at the World Juniors.

and, what would another sterling Ovechkin outing be without an accompanying quote?

Asked what his countrymen back home were thinking, Ovechkin said, "Everybody in my country is jumping, I think, and everybody at the Olympics will drink lots of vodka."

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/torino2006/ice_hockey/news?slug=ap-hkm-russia-canada&prov=ap&type=lgns

the kid is a statesman!

Good think he's not in the USA. I think he's legal in Italy

(remembers Simpsons episode "In France, it is customary for children to drink wine" ) :D

Every time Ovechkin was on the ice in the third period I was very nervous. He is the future superstar of the NHL.

Reminds me of watching Peter Forsberg play against the Wings in the late 90's. A faster Peter Forsberg. :eek:

Reminds me of watching Peter Forsberg play against the Wings in the late 90's. A faster Peter Forsberg. :eek:

But he doesn't have the vision yet (passing skills)....but he is only a pup. The Forsberg comparison is a great one, especially cuz he hits like a freight train.

AO does shoot too much. he tries to make plays by himself too often. he does many other good things, tho. like the diving stick-check/pass to kozlov that led to his g.

at least he's attacking the D and drawing penalties. kovalchuk, otoh, has been terrible. he just skates in and shoots. i still think he should play w/ malkin.

I'd say Kovalchuk and Ovechkin are both guilty of shooting too much when carrying the puck into the zone (at first I figured Alex had just forgotten how to play with good linemates). Ovechkin's alternate plan is to crash the net with his ridiculous stickhandling (like Kovalchuk did in his early years), which makes for great entertainment, penalties and some fantastic goals. Ilya now normally just does the Thornton-esque pull up at the half boards and looks for the 3rd/4th man in the rush (which is great if done in moderation!).

It's like Kovalchuk has forgotten how to beat people in the offensive zone.. Or even how to cut to the middle of the slot effectively. He's hardly scored at all this season on that cut-to-the-middle-quick-wrist-shot move that he used to score on so frequently.. Hopefully some of Ovechkin's little tricks rub off on him.

I was more impressed with Malkin, he was a standout all over of the ice, not just the offensive zone.

Couldnt disagree more..... is ao a good player, yes. But.... has anyone looked at the number of shots he takes????? Today against canada was a good example. Every time he carried the puck up the ice he shoots, Canada seemed to pick up on that mid second period. I think there are quite a few players in the nhl, some even not in the nhl that would produce as many goals as ao given that many shots...... JMO
Dude have you ever seen the Crapitals play? He shoots so much because it's their only possible chance to score if he passed the puck more instead of shooting Washington would lose ever game.

Well, I have seen the present and his name is Victor Kozlov :yo: :yo:

Well, I have seen the present and his name is Victor Kozlov :yo: :yo:

Yea he had an awesome game, never seen him play with such grit and determination.

Yea he had an awesome game, never seen him play with such grit and determination.


He played like that one FULL SEASON in RSL in 2004. Was voted #2 MVP after Dats

**** the future, his time is NOW

(remembers Simpsons episode "In France, it is customary for children to drink wine" ) :D

which is about 75% true :teach: :D

AO isn't close to a finished project offensively, which is pretty scary. Once he learns to calm down a bit and break down defenses, instead of rushing insanely into the defense everytime and trying for a shot, he will be downright scary. He needs to pick his spots a bit more knowing when to pass and shoot, and to learn to slow the play down and get in position to fire his wicked shot off the cycle. I don't think he's the best player in the game yet, but he is probably damn close.

It's great to finally root for a team that has AO on it. It's just such an awesome feeling to have such a weapon. As a Ranger fan, there isn't one player in the whole NHL that scares me more than Ovechkin. Kovalchuk and Crosby to some degree, but Crosby takes dumb penalties for yapping too much and for dirty stickwork. Alex, on the other hand, is intimidating. I haven't seen a more intimidating player since a 25 year old Lindros. Not only AO will undress you and score, but he will run over your players too. And that's a scary thought. Every time he is on forecheck, you cringe for your defensemen. It is not so obvious on the huge Olympic ice surface, but on the smaller NHL rink, it's scary.

Agreed. Ovechkin can at times shoot too much but how is that bad? I'd take that over a guy who passes too much. But meh, that's me.

I think he'll develop a better passing game with time and when he starts getting used to playing with better players and doesn't feel the need to do it all himself. I think he's just playing way too amped and going at 200% each shift. But man, the kid is flat out amazing and has all the tools. But we all know that and that's like saying the sky is blue.

Must be all that redbull vodka's they serve on the bench.

The AO and Forsberg comparison is not so crazy now that I think about it.

I don't think he is the best player yet. The way Jagr has taken the Rangers to the top (and yes I am biased) leads me to believe he is the best, even if Ovechkin has more speed. But I believe Ovechkin is easily top 5 and well on his way to becoming the future of the NHL and the best player in the world.

I'm a huge Forsberg fan, but after watching the Russia-Canada game, the best player in the world right now is Alexander Ovechkin. What a completely awesome player.

All that speed, stickhandling, physical play, shot, and energy... he will not be contained.

Crosby will undoubtedly shine if Olympics goes pro again in the next olympics, but right now this is Ovechkins show.

Speed is the future, and players who have it will score goals, goals... goals....
Now I can't argue that point he's a amazing, but I have to say that Malkin has the potential to be the best all-round Russian NHL ever, he's was simply unreal today against Canada, wow is Pittsburgh luck to have him.

I though Kovy played well! He played one of his best games. He was taking the shots and pushing the play and setting up players. I though Dats looked slow.

The AO and Forsberg comparison is not so crazy now that I think about it.
Except Foppa always looks for the extra pass and AO likes to shoot.

I'm a huge Forsberg fan, but after watching the Russia-Canada game, the best player in the world right now is Alexander Ovechkin. What a completely awesome player.

All that speed, stickhandling, physical play, shot, and energy... he will not be contained.

Crosby will undoubtedly shine if Olympics goes pro again in the next olympics, but right now this is Ovechkins show.

Speed is the future, and players who have it will score goals, goals... goals....
Haha - don't tell Ilya Kovalchuk.

Ray Ferraro (Kovalchuk's former teammate in Atlanta) says that Ilya is insanely jealous of the attention AO gets...

Most exciting player in history of the game : A.O....and Bure..of course..heheh

Asked what his countrymen back home were thinking, Ovechkin said, "Everybody in my country is jumping, I think, and everybody at the Olympics will drink lots of vodka."

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/torino2006/ice_hockey/news?slug=ap-hkm-russia-canada&prov=ap&type=lgns

the kid is a statesman!
And another result of bad translate. He said another thing:
http://turin.gazeta.ru/turin2006/2006/02/23/a_548422.shtml

ive seen the future too, and its Sidney Crosby. Hes ahead of Ovechkin at the same age, and i see him ahead of him in the future.

ive seen the future too, and its Sidney Crosby. Hes ahead of Ovechkin at the same age, and i see him ahead of him in the future.

:rolleyes:

:rolleyes:


;) its true and u know it.

ive seen the future too, and its Sidney Crosby. Hes ahead of Ovechkin at the same age, and i see him ahead of him in the future.
Honestly, who cares right now? Ovechkin is playing a huge role on a team possibly headed for the olympic gold. Where is Crosby? At Mario's house playing a little Playstation as the Capitals? :sarcasm:

We'll see what becomes of these two in a few years, but good grief can't either of them have some success right now without these boneheaded comparisons being brought up?

I don't think he is the best player yet. The way Jagr has taken the Rangers to the top (and yes I am biased) leads me to believe he is the best, even if Ovechkin has more speed. But I believe Ovechkin is easily top 5 and well on his way to becoming the future of the NHL and the best player in the world.


Gotta agree that the best player at this moment is Jagr. However AO isn't far behind.


Jagr
Forsberg
AO
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Sidney Crosby

I heard rumours that Jarkko Ruutu has been seen sniffing AO's jockstrap to catch the scent for the next game. :D :D

ive seen the future too, and its Sidney Crosby. Hes ahead of Ovechkin at the same age, and i see him ahead of him in the future.

It didn't take long for the hijack, did it? There's a thread in the main NHL forum for this.

Who is leading the nhl in shots? ao.... 283... thats shots on goal, not the wild misses from flinging it toward the net. Shooting percentage.. 12.7
Hah hah hah hah hah - this is the WORST argument I have ever heard on these boards. And that's saying something. Dude, switch to basketball if you care about shooting percentage.

Gotta agree that the best player at this moment is Jagr. However AO isn't far behind.


Jagr
Forsberg
AO
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Sidney Crosby
I think Alex & Sidney are a lot closer then that. Jagr is the best right now. Forsberg is still the greatest when he is healthy, but AO is creeping up on him - I see AO as the future Forsberg of the league.

He played like that one FULL SEASON in RSL in 2004. Was voted #2 MVP after Dats
What's the deal with Kozlov? Does he not like playing in the NHL or something? Looks like a completely different (cough*motivated*cough) player in the Olympics.

Hah hah hah hah hah - this is the WORST argument I have ever heard on these boards. And that's saying something. Dude, switch to basketball if you care about shooting percentage.

Particularly considering Ovechkin's age. Just wait until he learns to aim a little bette :eek:

I love AO, he's one of my favorite players in the league this year so far, and I'm a Canes fan. I just hope his team doesn't do well against us.

He really looked like the best player on the ice in the QF. He was flying on every shift, as opposed to the Canadians who looked like they were skating through cream of wheat.

[URL=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3957094422427700341&q=ovechkin[/URL]

link to ovechkin highlight video.....................amazing.

Not gonna debate the fact that he does have amazing skills, but does that mean that I and many others must like him, no. Didn't like him today, didnt like him before today and sure as hell am not gonna like him in the future...Ahhhh the beauty of opinions....

Que somebody saying that hockey isnt for me...

Not gonna debate the fact that he does have amazing skills, but does that mean that I and many others must like him, no. Didn't like him today, didnt like him before today and sure as hell am not gonna like him in the future...Ahhhh the beauty of opinions....

Que somebody saying that hockey isnt for me...
Is there a statement somewhere in this thread that says you have to like Ovechkin? No. If you don't agree with people praising him, that's ok.

Granted, I have a lot more respect for opinions that are based on more then "didn't like him. didn't like him ... and sure as hell am not gonna like him." It's hard to take you seriously when you tell us that regardless of anything the player does in the future, are still going to dislike him. Is there something so unredeemable about him that you are intent on hating him forever? I don't feel like that about anyone, not even Bertuzzi or Ribeiro. :dunno:

Is there a statement somewhere in this thread that says you have to like Ovechkin? No. If you don't agree with people praising him, that's ok.

Granted, I have a lot more respect for opinions that are based on more then "didn't like him. didn't like him ... and sure as hell am not gonna like him." It's hard to take you seriously when you tell us that regardless of anything the player does in the future, are still going to dislike him. Is there something so unredeemable about him that you are intent on hating him forever? I don't feel like that about anyone, not even Bertuzzi or Ribeiro. :dunno:

He's from Pennsylvania... presumably a Pittsburgh fan/Crosby lover/Ovechkin hater. Reason enough to hate a player, no? :sarcasm:

Not gonna debate the fact that he does have amazing skills, but does that mean that I and many others must like him, no. Didn't like him today, didnt like him before today and sure as hell am not gonna like him in the future...Ahhhh the beauty of opinions....

Que somebody saying that hockey isnt for me...

You mean "cue?"

It's nice to know that people have found another place to have an AO love fest because that AO/SC thread just wasn't noticeable enough!

It's nice to know that people have found another place to have an AO love fest because that AO/SC thread just wasn't noticeable enough!

Wouldn't be an AO lovefest without Crosbyites (like you) to come spoil the party ;)

It's nice to know that people have found another place to have an AO love fest because that AO/SC thread just wasn't noticeable enough!
It's nice to know you see it as a problem. Why don't you go over to the Caps board next, I hear there's a few Ovechkin threads over there as well. And possibly in other dicussion areas as well, it's hard to keep up these days with so many people preferring AO to Crosby.

It's nice to know you see it as a problem. Why don't you go over to the Caps board next, I hear there's a few Ovechkin threads over there as well. And possibly in other dicussion areas as well, it's hard to keep up these days with so many people preferring AO to Crosby.

You can call it trolling if you want I guess, but I'm just amused at how you guys never get tired of saying the same things over and over about a guy that will never win a scoring title :sarcasm:

And believe me, I'm not intimidated by the fact that a bunch of message board junkies prefer AO to Crosby (this is where you paste a link to the Hockey News poll right?).

You can call it trolling if you want I guess, but I'm just amused at how you guys never get tired of saying the same things over and over about a guy that will never win a scoring title :sarcasm:

Amused? Jealous is more likely the word; jealous that people aren't gushing over your boy Crosby.

What else would explain you posting in a thread like this?

At least you got the trolling part down correctly ;)

Amused? Jealous is more likely the word; jealous that people aren't gushing over your boy Crosby.

What else would explain you posting in a thread like this?

At least you got the trolling part down correctly ;)

The whole idea that you think I'd be JEALOUS over a bunch of message board heads with blind loyalty to one player over another is what amuses me. Clearer now?

By the way, AO is four points ahead of Crosby so he MUST be better! (This is where you tell me how many games at hand he has).

The whole idea that you think I'd be JEALOUS over a bunch of message board heads with blind loyalty to one player over another is what amuses me. Clearer now?


I agree: jealousy over an internet message board is borderline retarded, so why are you jealous again? Admission is the first step towards recovery. Still in denial, I see.


By the way, AO is four points ahead of Crosby so he MUST be better! (This is where you tell me how many games at hand he has).

Not sure where you got this from, no one in this thread has mentioned the fact that Ovechkin has 4 more points or has games in hand. You're delusional: get help. :help:

Perhaps we should add more threads, how about "Praises for Crosby only " and a "Praises for Ovy only" threads

You can call it trolling if you want I guess, but I'm just amused at how you guys never get tired of saying the same things over and over about a guy that will never win a scoring title :sarcasm:

And believe me, I'm not intimidated by the fact that a bunch of message board junkies prefer AO to Crosby (this is where you paste a link to the Hockey News poll right?).
I wasn't going to paste a link anywhere. Just thought it's a little strange how you try to elevate yourself above the Ovechkin/Crosby stuff when anyone who reads the official Ovechkin/Crosby thread can see that you're one of its more active posters. I guess in your book arguing the same crap over and over beats singing the same praise over and over. Two years younger! 2, I tell ya!!!

I really can't understand why it would bother you that people love to watch AO play. Newsflash: You don't need to read about it! Btw, there's a Crosby thread right next to this one, why don't you go complain about that one as well? Yeah, didn't think you would.

And intimidated? Why in the world should you be intimidated over people thinking that Ovechkin is better? Man, it really must be eating you Crosby fans alive that AO has taken over the show that was supposed to be about your boy and his cup run.. Sorry? :dunno:

Perhaps we should add more threads, how about "Praises for Crosby only " and a "Praises for Ovy only" threads

Why would we praise Crosby he's not the best player that has ever lived.

By the way, AO is four points ahead of Crosby so he MUST be better! (This is where you tell me how many games at hand he has).
What does this have to do with anything? Just in case you've gotten lost, we're on the o-l-y-m-p-i-c hockey board. Adding stuff concerning the olympics to the Ovechkin/Crosby thread wouldn't be very fair now would it? Seeing as Sidney wasn't good enou... uh, the Canadian team (that lost to Russia) was so unbelievably tough to get on.

So to make things real simple: This is where the lovefest concerning Ovechkins play at the olympics takes place. Still problematic to you?

What does this have to do with anything? Just in case you've gotten lost, we're on the o-l-y-m-p-i-c hockey board. Adding stuff concerning the olympics to the Ovechkin/Crosby thread wouldn't be very fair now would it? Seeing as Sidney wasn't good enou... uh, the Canadian team (that lost to Russia) was so unbelievably tough to get on.
So to make things real simple: This is where the lovefest concerning Ovechkins play at the olympics takes place. Still problematic to you?

^Shows level of intelligence

^Shows level of intelligence

Pot, meet Mr. Kettle.

Pot, meet Mr. Kettle.

That was funny. AO vs. Crosby, let's discuss it then. I'm sure you won't want to though because it's "overdone" right? The funny part is people would be shocked when I actually gave credit to AO since he is very, very good. I have to be 100% on Crosby's side though don't I?

Weren't the first 5000 Crosby vs. Ovechkin threads enough?

^Shows level of intelligence
Shows intentionally sinking to your level. Not very surprised you missed that. :shakehead

Jesus, Crosby isn't even playing in the Olympics and we still got a brand new Ovechkin vs. Crosby thread here!!!

:deadhorse

Shows intentionally sinking to your level. Not very surprised you missed that. :shakehead

I'm sure. Truth be told it's not that I hate AO, I think he's really good. There's only a handful of players I've ever seen that I didn't care for. Other than that I admire all good players for their talents. I'm just sick of all the yapping about AO. Everyone knows he's really good can we leave it at that? If you watch him consistently why does everyone act so surprised when he does well? And yes, I'm a Crosby fan and from Pittsburgh but I don't go around yammering about him on a message board.

to be honest in the 1st period I was literally bagning my head against the wall because he was just rushing into Canada's zone at 200 mph and never made a pass.Uh!?
Ovechkin, right from the start, was clearly the most dangerous Russian forward and looked like the only one not afraid to go full cylinders among his fellows.. when almost everyone else seemed slowed down by the pressure of such a big game and the fear of the opponent.
I was shouting to Krik to play him more, instead, also because of several penalties in the game, he barely played (given any icetime) from 10’ in the first to 5’ in the second, or something like that.
Fortunately, in the second half of the game he was eventually used as the go to guy..

AO does shoot too much. he tries to make plays by himself too often.
Did you mean Kovalchuk. :rolleyes:

Well, I have seen the present and his name is Victor Kozlovlol,
you robbed me on this one! I would have liked to post this quote first! :handclap:

For all those who complain about shots, he does shoot a ton, but you have to shoot some to make some.



His percentage for shooting is close to some other decent players like Rolston and Lang, and his percentage is still better than Vinny in Tampa Bay and Iginla.


Obviously his shot selection needs to improve, but putting the puck on net isn't a bad thing.

Ovechkin has played 2/3 of an NHL season, little early to proclaim him the next "insert hockey legend's name here".

He doesn't have the playmaking ability/attitude at this point to even mention him in the same breath as a Forsberg, Jagr, etc. There's a lot more to hockey than just shooting the puck and running people over. Lindros could do that, and pass too... and he was supposed to be the next "great one", but despite a fine career, it's impossible for most to live up to the expectations.

He doesn't have the playmaking ability/attitude at this point to even mention him in the same breath as a Forsberg, Jagr, etc.
I am kind of happy he doesn't have Jagr's attititude. :p:

Ovechkin has played 2/3 of an NHL season, little early to proclaim him the next "insert hockey legend's name here".

He doesn't have the playmaking ability/attitude at this point to even mention him in the same breath as a Forsberg, Jagr, etc. There's a lot more to hockey than just shooting the puck and running people over. Lindros could do that, and pass too... and he was supposed to be the next "great one", but despite a fine career, it's impossible for most to live up to the expectations.

Are you seriously suggesting all AO is good for is just shooting the puck and running people over?

Sheesh, the kid has a scored more highlight-reel goals in 2/3 of his rookie season that most star players will ever score in their entire careers. He can stickhandle his way through the whole opposing team, he can make a beautiful pass to a teammate, he backchecks and plays hard for his team.

In short, AO really is a complete package as a hockey player. No, he is not a playmaker of Jagr's or Forsberg's caliber - not many are - but its just plain wrong to downplay AO by portraying him as one-dimensional offensive player good only for shooting the puck and hitting people.

I am kind of happy he doesn't have Jagr's attititude. :p:

Or Bobby Orr's knees!

Funny, because they just had an interview on CBC with Jagr, and they were asking him about Ovechkin, specifically his enthusiasm and if it was similar to his own at that age. Jagr basically commended Ovechkin as a great player, and said he (Jagr) is too old to be jumping around like that.

I was only saying that Jagr is a playmaker, not just a sharpshooter.

If Jagr had stayed in Pittsburgh, it would probably have ended up worse for both of them. The Penguins haven't been close to the playoffs since he left, yet made it every year he played for them (despite his terrible attitude). Maybe he didn't express himself that well or in the best of ways, but he was frustrated with his own play, injuries, and the future of a near-bankrupt franchise with less and less surrounding talent, while being publicly criticized from above. Probably his biggest mistake was being honest. Jagr's never held out for more money, he helped the Penguins to their only 2 Cups, is leading the Rangers to their first playoff in many years, has led the Czechs to a lot of success in international play, and so far had an incredible career.

I have nothing against Ovechkin, I just think all the proclamations and comparisons are a bit premature. Jagr has been a target for opposing players since he was 13. Will be interesting to see what happens after Ovechkin he's a marked man every season, every game, every shift, year after year. If (more like when) he suffers the inevitable injuries that accompany NHL stars, then whether or not he continues to play hurt, perhaps he can be labelled a whiner, lazy, floater, etc.

Playing with the hapless Caps as a rooke is one thing. After he's been in the league a few years and still everyone on his team is a notch or two below him and they aren't winning... then he can try to express himself in his non-native language to sympathetic ( :biglaugh: ) reporters looking for a story. Jagr's performance in Washington wasn't exactly horrible. He led the team in scoring and had around a point per game in 2+ seasons during the deadest of the dead puck era, they just missed the playoffs his first year, and made it the next year. Since Ovechkin is obviously the holy trinity, perhaps he cannot be injured, go through tough times, or even have a bad day. Best of luck to him. :)

I think Alex & Sidney are a lot closer then that. Jagr is the best right now. Forsberg is still the greatest when he is healthy, but AO is creeping up on him - I see AO as the future Forsberg of the league.

I was mainly replying to this forecast of Ovechkin as the next Forsberg... saying he's not like Forsberg, who's a great two-way playmaking center, that's not overly physical. He will have to learn to be even more of a playmaker, as other teams will focus on shutting him down.

I think one of the biggest challenges for a star in the NHL is to stay healthy. The league almost goes out of its way to let its star players be injured. For every player who has been able to endure the brutal, long NHL schedule and the injuries that usually accompany it (Howe, Gretzky, Jagr, Francis, Messier, etc.), there are even more whose careers have been shortened or severely impacted by injuries (Orr, Lemieux, Forsberg, Bossy, Lindros, Bure, etc.). Even players with long careers, such as Yzerman and Sakic have lost significant time to injury.

My prediction would be an outstanding career for Ovechkin, especially if he adapts to the way his opponents try to frustrate him, while the media will focus on Crosby as the "real" messiah (after all he's from North America).

Jagr's never held out for more money, he helped the Penguins to their only 2 Cups, is leading the Rangers to their first playoff in many years, has led the Czechs to a lot of success in international play, and so far had an incredible career.

I have nothing against Ovechkin, I just think all the proclamations and comparisons are a bit premature. Jagr has been a target for opposing players since he was 13. Will be interesting to see what happens after Ovechkin he's a marked man every season, every game, every shift, year after year. If (more like when) he suffers the inevitable injuries that accompany NHL stars, then whether or not he continues to play hurt, perhaps he can be labelled a whiner, lazy, floater, etc.



Jagr basically admitted to half-assing it in Washington. He wasn't a leader.

It's also apparent you haven't seen many Caps games this year. Ovechkin has been shadowed and double-teamed. He's adapted. He's on pace for 50+ assists despite playing with career 3rd and 4th liners. He should be on pace for 60-70 given what he's done. As a rookie. Anyone suggesting he's anything less than an incredible playmaker is naive, IMO.

Jagr basically admitted to half-assing it in Washington. He wasn't a leader.

It's also apparent you haven't seen many Caps games this year. Ovechkin has been shadowed and double-teamed. He's adapted. He's on pace for 50+ assists despite playing with career 3rd and 4th liners. He should be on pace for 60-70 given what he's done. As a rookie. Anyone suggesting he's anything less than an incredible playmaker is naive, IMO.

No, I haven't seen the Caps much this year. I didn't say he was a leader in Washington. I guess we'll see over time what kind of success the Caps have with Ovechkin as leader. Honestly, most of the Caps games I've seen in my life have been while watching Jagr play (and usually eliminate) them in the playoffs.

I think Ovechkin's a fine player, but do you really think he's the next Forsberg? He actually reminds me more of Jagr (Ovechkin is more physically aggressive) at that age, but such comparisons after 2/3 of a season are unfair to either player IMO.

Remember, Jagr has led the league in assists, and Forsberg is a playmaker first (not a goal scorer), another reason I wonder about such comparisons.

I know he's playing with lesser-talented players (Hrdina + Miller = Art Ross), but he's surrounded by loads of goal-scorers on team Russia and I believe he has yet to a record an assist. I don't mean that he can't pass, just that he's a "shoot first" mentality, which is natural given his abilities. I'm sure he's adapted, and other teams will continue to adapt to his adaptations, etc. That's why it's futile to say Crosby is the next Gretzky or Ovechkin is the next Gordie Howe or whatever, because one can only guess what the future will hold.

I think Ovechkin has as much potential as any young player in the game, and is already playing at a very high level. That's enough for me. :)

Couldnt disagree more..... is ao a good player, yes. But.... has anyone looked at the number of shots he takes????? Today against canada was a good example. Every time he carried the puck up the ice he shoots, Canada seemed to pick up on that mid second period. I think there are quite a few players in the nhl, some even not in the nhl that would produce as many goals as ao given that many shots...... JMO
And the best scorers always take a ton of shots. Examples are Lemieux, Gretzky, (when he was a real scorer, not at the end of his career) Bure, Mogilny, Selanne, Jagr, Kovalchuk, etc. I'd much rather have guys like that taking ten shots during an important elimination game than what all of Team Canada did. If I have a sniper like Ovechkin, I know ten shots from him usually means two or three goals on the scoreboard for me.

http://www.ovechkinfans.com/vids/goal022206.avi

Look at how he dives to keep the puck in and gets open to score the game-winning goal (and his 5th in the tournament) to eliminate Canada. An amazing performance for a 20 year old phenom.

Is there a statement somewhere in this thread that says you have to like Ovechkin? No. If you don't agree with people praising him, that's ok.

Granted, I have a lot more respect for opinions that are based on more then "didn't like him. didn't like him ... and sure as hell am not gonna like him." It's hard to take you seriously when you tell us that regardless of anything the player does in the future, are still going to dislike him. Is there something so unredeemable about him that you are intent on hating him forever? I don't feel like that about anyone, not even Bertuzzi or Ribeiro. :dunno:

well 1) I dont care if u respect my opinion or not 2) I can dislike a player because of whatever the hell reason I feel like and since somebody else said it first yea i live in pennsylvania, and i liked him a long assssss time before he came to pa, i liked him when i frst saw him in cole harbour, and der...look at my user name...penguins fan :shakehead not a chance in hell! To be honest the reason I Dont like ovechkin so much is because EVERYGODDAMN TIME i say crosbys name somebodys got to bring up ovechkins name...

and yes...cue, thank you engrish(yes im aware its a typo and no I dont give a funk) teacher...psh, not even gonna waste anymo time on this thread

Dont like ovechkin so much is because EVERYGODDAMN TIME i say crosbys name somebodys got to bring up ovechkins name...
Are you that dense to not realize that it works both ways? You personally are trolling in an Ovechkin thread talking about Crosby.

Dumb***.

They Ovey One is in top 10 right now! I think he plays like he wants to win every game. What i love more about him then anything else is teh fact that he hits very good.

Why would we praise Crosby he's not the best player that has ever lived.

Not us, people who want to. So the comparison thread would be there,for those that wish to argue...errr, compare, and there would be seperate appreciation threads for each player so every thread mentioning one of them doesn't become "(AO/Crosby) is 100 times better than (Crosby/AO), anybody that disagress is an complete idiot"

This has gotten off topic, Crosby is not even in the Olympics.

Closed.