As I mindlessly perused Twitter last Wednesday night looking for anything of interest, I stumbled upon Slava Malamud’s account (@SlavaMalamud). Malamud brought up an interesting point that very few, if any, have mentioned before. It’s difficult to admit, but anyone who’s really watched hockey over the past few years can’t help but notice the lack of pure domination that Alex Ovechkin imposes on the rest of the NHL.

Sure, Ovechkin still possesses outstanding size, speed, a great shot and a playing style that is overloaded with reckless abandon. However, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that Ovechkin simply isn’t as feared as he once was across the league. Ovechkin put up his lowest goal and point totals of his career a year ago. Some attributed this to an increase of emphasis on the defensive aspect of things by both Ovechkin and – the recently fired – Bruce Boudreau, who undoubtedly got sick of seeing his offensive one-trick pony put up shiny stats in the regular season only to be bounced out of the playoffs by less talented teams. Still, the fact that Ovechkin – a player that was universally regarded as either the best or the second-best in the world – could be held to a paltry 85 points in 79 games should have set off some warning bells. This was, after all, the Great 8, the same man whose previous low for goals in a season was 46 and who ripped off 50 or more goals in four of his first five seasons. This was the same guy who terrorized goalies across the league with a cannon for a shot, usually deployed on the left side of the defense on the power play or on Ovi’s patented move – a drive down the left side before cutting back to the middle and firing a howitzer past a helpless goalie.

Malamud puts it best with the following set of tweets.

“Is it possible that Ovi never really had anything beyond those 2-3 moves, freakish strength & drive? Got figured out, noth to fall back on?”

“Gretzky was a positional genius w/ supernatural hockey sense. Mario had inexhaustible supply of talent. Sid evolves. Ovi none of the above?”

“I also think OV suffered through a personal crisis in Vancouver. A genuinely humiliating moment, he just lost control. Never happened before”

“His supreme dominance over peers hadn’t been questioned since he was 9. The Olympics forced a re-evaluation. Not the same since. IMO”

“Looking at Ovi’s shots/attempts-blocked stats is pretty interesting. Eastern teams block 50% of his shots. Western much less. Preparation “

To take on the first two, it’s hard to tell if Ovechkin had anything beyond a few moves that worked every freakin’ time like it was NHL 06 and the CPU couldn’t adapt for some mind-numbing reason. He never had to do anything else. If any GM across the league could piece together a prototypical winger, it would be Alex Ovechkin. Yes, the prototype would be 6-2, 230 pounds, built like a tank, hard-nosed with a laser of a shot, deft hands and a good passer. As Malamud points out, though, those things can be figured out. However, like he said, it’s ironic enough that Ovechkin’s biggest rival might just be what Ovechkin needs to become an elite player once again.

To Be Continued….

Gary Bettman

“I think it’s a lot of fun for our players.  The teams like to participate because for a lot of our players it conjures up memories of their first connection to the game as well.” – When asked about what the Classic means to the NHL

“We really take this one at a time.  With every Winter Classic we’ve done, we learned something new, which is why each year we’ve built upon it to create a new dimension for it, and we have to sit down and debrief, take it all in, and then focus on next year.” – When asked about a frontrunner for next year’s classic

Dan Bylsma

“The experience for me and the guys coming out on the field to the fans and the game, I’ve talked to a handful now after the game, and can’t rate it with any other experience that they’ve had.” – On the experience of participating in the Classic

“Great trade for sure getting that guy.  I didn’t know what to expect from Jordan tonight and what level he’d be at, but his first period was phenomenal, given the circumstances and the fact that he hasn’t played.” – On the return and play of Jordan Staal

“We’ve joked with the HBO guys that we’ll have to invite them back.  We are going to miss them.  I thought the show and it leading to the buildup to this game was a unique look, a great experience.  Showed a facet of hockey and the game and our players and both teams that I thought was fascinating to watch. I’m not going to look forward to…I guess I’ll be all right with not having a mic pasted right here all day every day” - On whether he would miss the HBO cameras and crews.

Bruce Boudreau

“We kind of like them now. I mean, we didn’t like them much at the beginning of the month, but I think everything’s worked out.” - On 24/7 being over and getting rid of the camera crews.

“And don’t let anybody fool you. It was a game that we wanted to show people that have never played hockey or watched hockey how good it could be, how exciting it could be. The passion on the guys’ faces when they scored a goal was totally genuine.” – On playing in the Classic and how special it was

Alex Ovechkin

You can see, you can hear when we score goals how many people was fans of Washington. I can see a thousand people in one spot, a thousand people upstairs, it was really unbelievable. When it was the National Anthem, and they are screaming, like it was unbelievable. And the fans support us all over the place. So it’s good.” - On what it was like to play in the Classic in front of 65,000 fans

Sidney Crosby

Coming down the tunnel, it’s a pretty amazing feeling. And playing hockey in front of that many people, it’s something that probably none of us ever dreamed of doing. It would have been nice to be on the other side of things, but it’s still a privilege to be part of that. And we had amazing support. The event was great.” – On what it was like to play in the Classic for the second time, but this one at home in Pittsburgh

Some interesting facts and information heading into Saturday’s game:

1 Cable cam will be utilized in NBC’s coverage, a first for an NHL game

3D The NHL Winter Classic will be broadcast in 3D worldwide

22 Million dollars of economic impact to the city of Pittsburgh, according to VisitPittsburgh

31 Percentage increase in traffic to NHL.com last year over 2009 Classic

53 Length, in feet, of the world’s largest mobile rink refrigeration unit, specially built for the NHL Winter Classic

76 Broadcast cameras (all networks) will capture all the NHL Winter Classic action at Heinz Field including a cable cam and an airplane cam

300 Ton capacity of refrigeration trailer that will keep the ice cool at Heinz Field

350 Gallons of paint to make Heinz Field ice white

498 Combined career goals scored by Alex Ovechkin (283) and Sidney Crosby (215) in 844 career games

571 Points accumulated by both Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby individually in career regular-season NHL games

3,000 Gallons of coolant used to freeze the Heinz Field rink

5,000 Square foot temporary Winter Classic store created by Dick’s Sporting Goods in Pittsburgh leading into the event

10,000 Gallons of water needed to create a one-inch deep ice surface on Heinz Field

30,000 Fans from the Washington D.C. area are scheduled to make the trip to Pittsburgh for the NHL Winter Classic

68,000 Approximate number of fans will attend the NHL Winter Classic at Heinz Field

There are stars that rise to the challenge and there are those that fade away. The playoffs are the perfect time of the year for a young superstar to shine.  Sidney Crosby took his Penguins to the next level; Alexander Ovechkin’s Capitals hope to do the same. When it comes to comparing the NHL’s two young stars there is no question that Crosby deserves the spotlight over Ovechkin.

Over the last five years, Alex the Great has scored more goals than Sid the Kid, but there’s a lot more to “being the best” than just scoring exciting goals.  You have to take a look at all the elements that impact the outcome of a game because great stats simply don’t tell the whole story.

Crosby provides the intangibles that Ovechkin seems burdened with. If you’re looking for someone to bring the fans to their feet and show up on the highlight reel at 11 o’clock, then Alex is your guy. No question. However, if you’re looking for someone to put up points but also be responsible defensively, kill penalties, win face-offs, and perform at their best in the biggest situations with a proven history of success then Sid is your guy. It is no coincidence that his teams keep winning championships. It is no coincidence that his teams always seem to beat Ovy when everything is on the line.

Number 87 outdueled number eight on the three greatest hockey stages in the world.  At the 2005 World Juniors, Team Crosby blew out Team Ovechkin.  Last season, Crosby won the Stanley Cup beating Ovechkin head-to-head along the way.  To ice it off Sid notched the game winning goal for Canada to take home the Olympic gold, while Ovy and the Russians went home empty handed.

If hockey were about flare and swagger, than Ovy’s your obvious choice, but hockey is a team sport.  Hockey is about putting collective goals ahead of your own and winning championships. This can all be traced to leadership and Crosby has the brilliance of a leader.  At 21 years of age, he became the youngest captain in NHL history to guide his team to a Stanley Cup championship.  His willingness and ability to evolve his game for the good of the team contrasts his counterpart.  This off-season Crosby wanted to be on the Penguins number one penalty killing unit, so he watched tape and worked on it. Coach Dan Bylsma acknowledged Crosby’s much-improved defensive-zone play and rewarded him with time on the PK.  Despite, Ovechkin’s impressive +45 rating, you won’t see him on the ice defending the extra man.

Here are some tangibles…Crosby leads this year’s playoff race with 14 points (5 goals, 9 assists) and stamped a ticket into the second round.  Ovechkin, is sixth in the league with nine points (5 goals, 4 assists) and no guarantee of the second round unless he can find a way around the Canadiens.  Ovechkin, the first player to win the Art Ross Trophy, Maurice Richard Trophy, Lester B. Pearson Award and the Hart Memorial Trophy all in a single season, deserves respect.  Crosby has done it too, just not in a single season but he has hoisted the most coveted trophy of all and donned Olympic gold.  How’s that for a resume?

In team sports, being a complete player is the definition of being great.  Sid’s all around game and understanding of the sacrifice needed to win sets him apart.  Alex just loves to win but doesn’t display the same qualities.  People keep saying that the Penguins make Crosby the player he is but looking at their respective clubs its clear Ovy has better line mates and a talented supporting cast.  Imagine Crosby’s stats with line mates, Alex Semin and Nicklas Backstrom.

Sid is the player who puts the super in superstar.  His brilliance extends beyond points and exciting moves. Number eighty-seven brings heart, desire and leadership to do whatever it takes to win. Number eight wants the spotlight but when it’s the brightest, he fades away.

For OpenIceHockey.com, I’m Ashley Mabee.

The Canadians will be looking for redemption once again in this tournament, having lost to the Russians in the Quarterfinals at the Torino games in 2006.

It will be much more than a Sidney Crosby/Alex Ovechkin battle.  The two NHL superstars will be the main focus, however, it will be the supporting casts that will determine which team moves on to the semi-finals Friday afternoon.

With the battle set, it’s time to look back at some of the history between the Canadians and the Russians since the 80’s Olympics.

1980
Russia: Won the Silver
Canada: Finished 6th
Notes: Canada and Russia met in the preliminary round with Russia winning.  Canada missed out on final round by tie-breaking rule to Finland. Soviets were upset by USA but rebounded to beat Sweden in final game to take silver.

1984
Russia: Won the Gold
Canada: Finished 4th
Notes: In the round robin, Canada was shutout by the Russians in the final game.  The Canadians were then shutout two games in a row; once in the semi-final game and then again in the bronze medal game.

1988
Russia: Won the Gold
Canada: Finished 4th
Notes: The Russians continued their dominanace on the International stage, with the KLM line combining for 39 points in 8 games.  Russia beat Canada in the last game of the round-robin.

1992
Soviet Union/Russian Unified Team: Gold – beat the Canadians 3-1 in the final
Canada: Won Silver
Notes: Joe Juneau and Eric Lindros stood out for the Canadians, scoring 15 and 11 points respectively.  Andrei Khomutov tied two other players for the scoring lead in the tournament with seven goals.

2006:
Canada: Finished 7th.  Lost 2-0 to Russia in quarterfinals
Russia: Finished 4th.  Won 2-0 over Canada in quarterfinals, lost to Czech Republic in bronze medal game
Notes: Alexander Ovechkin scored the game-winner against Canada.  It was the first time Canada failed to reach semifinals since full participation of NHL players began in 1998.

Overall, every game that the Russians and Canadians have played in in the Olympics has lived up to the hype.

With Canadian ambassador Wayne Gretzky predicting the Canadians victorious over the Russians in a potential Gold medal game, tied in with playing on home soil, the pressure is even higher now for the them to win.

But, with Ovechkin and co. looking to break up the party once again, it remains to be seen what will unfold Wednesday.

The only thing for certain is that the puck will drop at 4:30 PST/7:30 EST time at Canada Hockey Place.

I suggest you cuddle up beside a  TV because it should be another unforgettable game.

The Capitals on the other hand are firing on all cylinders, lead by Captain Alexander Ovechkin, winning 14 straight games.

Wait.  14 in a row?

That must be some kind of record no?

It’s the question that always comes up whenever a team heads past the ten in a row mark.

But even though Ovechkin and co. are playing unbelievable hockey, they are still three wins shy of tying the all-time winning streak in the NHL.

By whom you ask?

The 1992-93 Pittsburgh Penguins.

Ironic isn’t it?  How the Capitals biggest rival these days – arguably – are the Penguins and their franchise has held a firm grip on the consecutive win streak for 18 years.

The last time the Capitals lost was almost a month ago on January 12^th,  a 7-4 offensive-filled game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Since then however, the Caps have scored 48 goals, over one-fifth of their entire output this season (234).  Ovechkin himself has 29 points – 15 of those goals – as the main orchestrator behind the winning streak.

What’s been most impressive about this Capitals team has been their ability to get secondary scoring on a consistent basis.  The last time the Caps scored less than three goals in a game was January 2^nd against the LA Kings in a 2-1 loss.

Besides the usual characters – Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Semin – chipping in, Czech Olympian Tomas Fleischmann has had a breakout season with 17 goals and 41 points, while Mike Knuble has rejuvenated his career playing with Ovechkin and Backstrom, scoring 21 goals in 47 games played.

And don’t forget about Brooks Laich.

Not the most graceful player compared to others on the team, “Brooksie” is on pace to break his highest goal total (23) of his career, as well as points (53).  Three of his 17 goals so far this season have been game winners, and has contributed eight points on the powerplay in an elevated role.

No matter what though, Ovechkin is the captain, the leader, and the glue that holds the team together.

With 42 goals on the season, he will most likely pass 50 goals – barring injury – for the fourth time in his short five year career.

This prompted ESPN’s John Buccigross to write an article on how he believes Ovechkin has a chance to pass Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal scoring record with what he says will take “a lot of health, a lot of hockey love, and a lot of luck.”

For now, Ovechkin must focus on the difficult task of helping his team break the Penguins’ record, with not the easiest schedule ahead of them.

They play three games in four nights heading into the Olympic break starting tonight against the Canadiens; followed by the Senators Thursday night and the Blues on Saturday night.

If they end up tying the record on Saturday, they will then have to beat the Northeast division leading Sabres in their first game back on March 3^rd to break it.

The Caps seem set for a big playoff push this season.  But they have to be careful, those same 92-93 record-setting Penguins were upset in the second-round of the playoffs by the New York Islanders, halting their attempt at a three-peat.

They’re hoping history doesn’t repeat itself.
-

*Shout out to OpenIce reader and die hard Caps fan Eric Sinker.  Thanks for the support!

FIRST STAR — ALEX OVECHKIN, LW, WASHINGTON CAPITALS

Ovechkin led all scorers in January with 26 points (nine goals, 17 assists) and posted a +16 rating in 15 games, helping the Capitals go 13-2-0 and finish the month with a franchise record-tying 10-game winning streak. Named team captain Jan. 5, Ovechkin tallied eight multiple-point games thereafter, beginning with three points (one goal, two assists), a +4 rating and 10 shots on goal in a 5-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators Jan. 7. He tallied his first career four-assist game and tied a career high with five points in a 6-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs Jan. 15 and notched three points (two goals, one assist) in a 6-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins Jan. 21. Ovechkin closed the month by scoring the game-winning goal in the third period of a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning Jan. 31. The reigning Hart and Richard Trophy winner ranks second in the NHL in goals (35), second in points (76), first in shots (248) and first in plus/minus (+35).

SECOND STAR — HENRIK SEDIN, C, VANCOUVER CANUCKS

Sedin tallied 25 points (six goals, 19 assists) and a +14 rating in 13 games, powering the Canucks to a 10-2-1 record, a seven-game winning streak to close the month and first place in the Northwest Division. Sedin recorded points in 11 games, including the game-winning goal and assists on two of Alex Burrows’ three goals in a 7-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets Jan. 5. He helped Burrows tally his second consecutive hat trick with assists on all three goals in a 4-0 win over the Phoenix Coyotes Jan. 7. Sedin notched three points (two goals, one assist), including the game-winning goal, in a 5-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks Jan. 23 and tallied one goal and one assist as the Canucks overcame a 3-0 deficit to defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-3 on Jan. 30. A Three Star selection for the second consecutive month after earning First Star honors for December, Sedin leads the NHL scoring race with 78 points (25 goals, 53 assists), ranks second in assists and is tied for fourth in plus-minus (+27).

THIRD STAR — TOMAS VOKOUN, G, FLORIDA PANTHERS

Vokoun posted an 8-4-2 record with a 1.49 goals-against average, .956 save percentage and a League-leading four shutouts, helping the Panthers finish the month in second place in the Southeast Division and seventh in the Eastern Conference. He allowed two or fewer goals in 10 of 14 starts, beginning with a 46-save performance in a 6-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins Jan. 3. His shutouts against the Ottawa Senators (24 saves, Jan. 9), Atlanta Thrashers (27 saves, Jan. 18), Toronto Maple Leafs (39 saves, Jan. 23) and New York Islanders (33 saves, Jan. 31) increased his season total to a career-high seven, tied with New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur for the League lead.