Wednesday, November 23
Magic vs Bird - Crosby vs. Ovechkin: Take One
We're a quarter of a season into their careers, but I think the Crosby/Ovechkin debate has been settled. I'm not just talking about last night, but having watched these guys for at least portions of a dozen games apiece I don't think the question warrants additional discussion. Ovechkin is a superstar player. He's got moves and balls and a shot you can't see up to the moment it happens. He's like Kovalchuk or Nash, but with more personality. And really that's why I think the debate is over. You can compare #8 to other players out there today. And, no doubt, they're awesome players. But the only comparison you can make regarding Sidney is to legends of the game, not mere All-Stars. Crosby has all of those moves and the shot and vision, but he also has that other thing that you can't quite put your finger on. He's above everyone else out there, skating around, looking down and finding the lane to pass or drive the net. He'll turn in a corner and know his linemate is standing crease-side for a tap-in. He'll deek the crap out of three opponents and still pocket the backhander in the roof, rather than risk a miracle save by sliding it in along the ice. So yeah, he's 15h in the league in scoring. And yes, he is a minus (-5) for his career so far. Sure, Ovechkin has more goals. But Sid's 18 years old and his game will only improve. And by the time it does he'll have Calders and Harts and Cups and Smythes to fill a garage. And at the end of this Magic vs. Bird debate, he'll be Jordan.
We're a quarter of a season into their careers, but I think the Crosby/Ovechkin debate has been settled. I'm not just talking about last night, but having watched these guys for at least portions of a dozen games apiece I don't think the question warrants additional discussion. Ovechkin is a superstar player. He's got moves and balls and a shot you can't see up to the moment it happens. He's like Kovalchuk or Nash, but with more personality. And really that's why I think the debate is over. You can compare #8 to other players out there today. And, no doubt, they're awesome players. But the only comparison you can make regarding Sidney is to legends of the game, not mere All-Stars. Crosby has all of those moves and the shot and vision, but he also has that other thing that you can't quite put your finger on. He's above everyone else out there, skating around, looking down and finding the lane to pass or drive the net. He'll turn in a corner and know his linemate is standing crease-side for a tap-in. He'll deek the crap out of three opponents and still pocket the backhander in the roof, rather than risk a miracle save by sliding it in along the ice. So yeah, he's 15h in the league in scoring. And yes, he is a minus (-5) for his career so far. Sure, Ovechkin has more goals. But Sid's 18 years old and his game will only improve. And by the time it does he'll have Calders and Harts and Cups and Smythes to fill a garage. And at the end of this Magic vs. Bird debate, he'll be Jordan.
View My Stats