Ovechkin is labeled as a 'sniper' and a 'true goal scorer', but this season he only has 8 more goals than Crosby (34-26). Meanwhile Crosby has 31 more assists than Ovechkin (69-38) and a 95-72 total point advantage. Crosby also has a +14 +/- rating this season compared to Ovechkin's -14 +/- rating, even though Crosby has 46 power play points to Ovechkin's 30 on the season.
Not even talking about this season or last season (where Crosby was robbed of the Calder Trophy just because of that ridiculous goal that Ovechkin scored), it is obvious that Crosby has a much better NHL career ahead of him.
I was just wondering why Ovechkin could be as good as (or better than) Crosby in some people's minds.
2007-02-22 08:43:24 · 14 answers · asked by Bryan 3 in Sports ➔ Hockey
I agree that Ovechkin hits better than Crosby (who really doesn't hit at all), but the overall point of hockey is to put the puck in the net. Period.
It could be me, but doesn't Crosby lead the league in points? And no matter who is playing with him the Penguins are 4th in the Eastern conference. You said Ovechkin is leading the Capitals... to what? Another top 10 draft pick? He can go back to Russia while the Pens are in the playoffs, lead by Crosby.
2007-02-22 09:05:43 · update #1
I don't think he comes close in comparison at all. I think the NHL is just looking for that next great head to head matchup and I think they got it right! But if you had to build your team around someone wouldn't you pick Crosby? Ovechkin is flashy and can score but Crosby is the real deal. I don't look at points and hits and all that. Some players just have that X factor and I think Crosby will always outshine Ovechkin no matter who has more goals or hits!
2007-02-22 09:34:26 · answer #1 · answered by CMR 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Both are extremely talented and I don't see why it upsets people that some prefer Ovechkin over Crosby or vice versa. I like Ovechkin more (and I do believe he deserved the Calder) but I won't say he is better than Crosby.
Stats are great and are a measurement of skill but I wouldn't live by them. Crosby is on a better team than Ovechkin and I think that the Caps rely on Ovechkin more than Crosby.
But if you dislike Ovechkin so much and want to make this a competition between just the two of them then just go by the stats and declare victory. I am sure Ovechkin will retire in disgrace and you won't have to ask this again next season.
2007-02-22 09:47:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ovechkin is a far superior player. Ovechkin has very very very little help in Washington (see Alexander Semin). Other than Semin there is huge drop off in talent offensively on this team. Ovechkin can't really afford to pass the puck when he is counted on to score it and the other guys around him really can't bury it like him.
Crosby is smaller and cannot play in a physical game. He takes the worst penalties I've seen any 1st or 2nd year player take. If I had as many 1st round picks on my team I would hope there was some talent on my team as well.
Think about it. Ovechkin on a team with talent. Ovechkin would absolutely be putting up bigger numbers in Crosby's place. Whereas Crosby on Washington....he would already be hurt and done for the season most likely.
2007-02-22 10:49:23 · answer #3 · answered by Zon27 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
whoa whoa whoa timeout!!1
I see a couple things wrong with this question.
Was that really a ridicoulous goal? Could Crosby have made a play like that?
And what do you mean the point of hockey is to put the puck in the net? No it isn't! What about goalies and defenseman, are they just trying to put the puck in the net? I think NOT!
Plus hitting is a HUGE part of hockey. Think about how hockey would be if there was no hitting.
Plus you say Ovechkin has less assist, who's he gonna pass to that's gonna put the puck in the net? You even said they were a terrible team, he has NO team to pass too! If you put Ovechkin on the Penguins he would have more assist. Same goes for his +/- rating. You can't expect a good one from a team that sucks. He's a player who sometimes it seems like he singlehandedly wins games for the caps, doe crosby really have to do that with malkin and stall with the penguins?
2007-02-22 10:33:45 · answer #4 · answered by random bailey 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ovechkin is a pure goal scorer, you won't find him dishing it out like Crosby does. In fact, Ovechkin might even be a better goal scorer! He is slumping big time right now, but he's still an awesome skater, decent hitter and a great finisher. Crosby is the BEST playmaker, like Mario. Ovechkin is like Shanahan or Brett Hull, the playmaker finds him for the goal. Crosby could have won rookie of the year if he didn't spend over 100 minutes in the penalty box. Total points paints a good picture and Crosby will always be higher in that stat, but both players are awesome, that's for sure!
2007-02-22 09:34:28 · answer #5 · answered by raztaman420 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't get it. You ask the question of why someone might think Ovechkin is better than Crosby and when people point out the aspects of the game at which Ovechkin is superior you belittle them as irrelevant.
To be sure, Ovechkin is a more physical player. He uses his frame well and plays with serious mean streak. He has a lethal shot. Crosby also has a far superior supporting cast to work with.
If I picked one of these guys for my team, I'd take Crosby over Ovechkin, but they bring some very different qualities to the table and I can see why someone would appreciate Ovechkin's style over Crosby's.
2007-02-22 09:33:53 · answer #6 · answered by Patrick 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
You only think that he's "close" to Crosby because he gets less air time during the highlight reels set up by the NHL to market Crosby. They're both pretty much the same individually, but I would take Ovechkin over Crosby any day of the week for the sole reason that he's a much more mature person and doesn't cry to momma every time he gets a lovetap.
2007-02-22 10:48:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ovechkin did have more points than Crosby last year, plus he is playing with less help than Crosby. The reason Crosby has a much better +/- than Ovechkin is because Crosby is on a better team.
I do personally think Crosby is a better player, but they are still comparable.
2007-02-22 09:05:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is no comparison between the two-they are different players. And Ovechkin has a awsome career ahead of him. Alex won the Calder because he was the better rookie and up until the last couple weeks was having a better season than Sidney. Crosby has the points-Alex is the better all around player and I mean in all areas.
2007-02-22 10:15:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ovechkin is better than Crosby. Partially because Ovechkin is carrying the Caps. He has nobody else but Semin to help him. Crosby has Malkin(over-rated, Kopitar=better), Staal, and Recchi. Another thing Crosby is a big cry-baby and doesn't deserve an A. Crosby needs to get his bell rung.
2007-02-22 08:57:38 · answer #10 · answered by NYR21 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋