Ovechkin vs. Crosby

[PMI]

This is the most genuine and exciting individual rivalry in team sports right now. Discuss.

Sorry, meant for this to be in the OT forum. Feel free to move.

[More Cowbell]

Hockey? I dont even know you and I'm disappointed.

[PMI]

Hockey? I dont even know you and I'm disappointed.

I'll bet you watch baseball. It's usually the guys who enjoy the slowest sport who don't appreciate the fastest, toughest one.

[DC Muskie]

Seriously, why are we having this discussion?

Ovechkin is a glorious gift to all of us.

Crosby is pure trash. Trash gets taken to the curb, and Ovie plans on taking out the trash tonight.

[BBC 08]

I love baseball and am a hockey fan at the same time. It's that football and its 11 minutes of real time action I don't like.

[DC Muskie]

I'll bet you watch baseball. It's usually the guys who enjoy the slowest sport who don't appreciate the fastest, toughest one.

Dude-

Don't you know that it's Red Hot Stove right now! Come on!

[BBC 08]

As for the discussion at hand, I have no dog in the fight so all I say is"Go Blues!"

[PMI]

Here's why I believe it's the greatest current rivalry between two players: It's genuineness. Those two could not be more opposite as people and they hate each other. You don't get that in the NBA and the NFL is too much of a team sport, even when centering on QBs. Baseball doens't have real rivalries because it's labeled a "pastime" in order to cover up the fact that it's not a sport without embarrassing it.

Anyway, Ovechkin is your care-free, reckless, talkative, hard-hitting, powerful Russian, whereas Crosby is, well, a pussy. Seriously though, I'd say Sid the Kid has the best hand-eye coordination in the game and one of the best in all of sports, and starting with last year's epic Caps-Pens playoff series, he's shifted his focus to scoring more goals too. He's very competitive but also very whiny (ala Lebron James but with a ring.) There's no doubt the Caps have far and away the best offense with the most weapons, while Pittsburgh can make the case for a way distant 2nd. This will likely be a preview of the Eastern Conference Finals and I can't wait.

Joking aside, for those of you who have never given hockey a chance because your stuck in you small-town midwestern ways and are afraid of change or whatever it may be, do yourselves a favor and tune into the NHL Network at 7:30. I promise if you watch 60 minutes of this game you will not regret it. If you do, you are a terrorist and nobody would admit to being a terrorist so keep it to yourself. You will see hard hits, crafty moves, powerful scoring, and the kind of speed that humans can only accomplish with the help of skates (or an automobile I suppose.)

Prediction: Washington 5, Pittsburgh 4

[GoMuskies]

This is the most genuine and exciting individual rivalry in team sports right now. Discuss.

People would have to care for this to be true (aye).

[DC Muskie]

If you do, you are a terrorist and nobody would admit to being a terrorist so keep it to yourself.

If I may add and you are in fact a terrorist, please blow up Pittsburgh.

Oh wait nevermind, the Capitals will be doing that tonight.

I was in the Verizon Center when Ovie scored a hat trick against the Trash and Crosby got a couple of lucky goals, then pranced along the ice while knockdragging moutbreathing penguin trash cheered before getting thrown out.

God do I hate Pittsburgh. For some reason everyone out here is a Steelers fan or a Trash fan. Please go back to trash, where trash belongs along the side of the street to get picked up.

Trash.

[PMI]

I was at that game too and I thought about it the other night when all the hideous Pens fans threw their hats on the ice for Malkin's hat trick. Funny, I didn't see Crosby complaining then. I always found that amazing. Literally every single hat trick for the home team that's been recorded in my lifetime has triggered fans throwing their hats onto the ice, but now all of a sudden you cry about it because it happened at your team's expense and helped dig you a 2-0 hole in the series? I could count on one finger the amount of hockey players I'd say this about, but Crosby is a pussy.

[PMI]

People would have to care for this to be true (aye).

You cared enough to open this thread. If I can get even just one XH poster to tune in and watch this game I've done my job, because that will inevitably create another hockey fan. Lord knows most real cities have enough of them, but Cincinnati is an odd place.

[SixFig]

Any game of hockey is better than NBA regular season.

Ovechkin and Crosby are must see TV, they can save the NHL.

[Xman95]

A year or so ago I probably would have said Crosby, but I would probably lean toward Ovechkin now. He's insanely good.

[Backyard Champ]

Ovechkin all the way, had he not gotten injured he would be well on his way to back to back to back heart trophey awards. He is hands down better then Crosby. Crosby has so much better talent on his team, and Ovechkin still gets the better numbers. Tell me this, taking each member off the team, who do you think would be a better team?

I love Ovechkin and wish that the NHL marketed him instead of Sid. Has anyone seen the E60 thing they did on Ovechkin. That was pretty sweet, seems like he is just as insane off the ice as he is on it.

[xupuck10]

Ovechkin is a better scorer (at least has more goals) and has a more physical style of play. I think one person who gets left out of this debate (and shouldn't) is Evgeni Malkin. He also is on Pittsburgh and has had more goals, assists and points then Sid the past two seasons. Ovechkin has more then both Sid and Malkin, but he doesn't share the ice with another player. Sid and Malkin also have better playoff history then Ovi. They have the same post season goals and Sid has one more assist.

[Strange Brew]

Crosby's name is on the cup. O's is not. Nuff said. Ovie is also a knee throwing cheap shot artist....buuuut I have to admit as a Pens (That's without an "i" for you 5 five year olds on the board:D) fan that he's pretty darn good and the two of them definately have made hockey much more interesting recently.

Oh, also. Head to head Sid is better. Stats prove it.

[PM Thor]

Yeah Crosbys name is on the Cup. Along with many, many other undeserving whiny babies too.

He's glass. He gets hit, and whines.

Go Wings.

I HATE dayton.

[PMI]

Ovechkin is a better scorer (at least has more goals) and has a more physical style of play. I think one person who gets left out of this debate (and shouldn't) is Evgeni Malkin. He also is on Pittsburgh and has had more goals, assists and points then Sid the past two seasons. Ovechkin has more then both Sid and Malkin, but he doesn't share the ice with another player. Sid and Malkin also have better playoff history then Ovi. They have the same post season goals and Sid has one more assist.

This is actually one of the biggest misconceptions in hockey. Offensively speaking, I'd argue that Ovechkin has more than Crosby around him. Alex Semin is absolutely as skilled as anyone else in the league but he's somewhat soft and very injury-prone, but on a point-per-game basis he's always about as good as anyone. Then there's Nick Backstrom, the "quarterback" who is absolutely one of the most underrated hockey players in the league. This guy could be a superstar in several other cities. He's known as the pass-first setup guy but he's one of the craftiest, most natural goal scorers on the team. Then you have hands down the best offensive defenseman in the game in Mike Green (who wasn't even playing tonight) who is an absolute scoring machine, and you wonder why the Caps power play is so outrageous. Add in Thomas Fleishmann, (another Olympian and explosive scorer) Mike Knuble and Brooks Laich (two guys who crash the net and rack up lots of points) and even our other third and fourth line guys have produced remarkably well. It's no accident that the Caps have the most goals scored by an unreachable margin. And all that said, for point production it HELPS IMMENSELY to share the ice with other good players. For almost every goal there are one or two assists, and that adds up fast when you score damn near 4 a game.

So when you look at POINT PRODUCTION solely, it is not at all fair to say Ovechkin is the only reason the Caps are good. What the Caps have had trouble with is defense and (at times) goaltending. The style of play we run is very offensively-oriented, and rightfully so given our personnel, but it can be high-risk/high-reward at times. I totally agree with you that Malkin should not be left out of the debate, but neither should a lot of other players on both sides. They're just two really good teams.

As far as the records go (Sid is up 11 to 5 in the regular season) you have to consider WHEN the Pens were racking up these wins. In the regular season we have won 4 of the last 5, but before that, our team quite frankly sucked each time we played them. We were still being coached by the inadequate Glen Hanlon running the most asinine system and at that point, yes, it was Ovechkin and Ovehkin alone keeping us in the conversation for not being the worst team in the league. But things have changed with Bruce at the helm, and while Pittsburgh won game 7 last year, the overall series has been fairly even and the Caps have proven to be the more potent offense in that time. So, in short, Ovechkin has had the better offense around him and there should be no misconception that he is forced to do it all himself, although as long as he's around the game will primarily center around him, and if you take him away then, yes, absolutely everything changes. In fact, the world probably implodes.


Crosby's name is on the cup. O's is not. Nuff said. Ovie is also a knee throwing cheap shot artist....buuuut I have to admit as a Pens (That's without an "i" for you 5 five year olds on the board:D) fan that he's pretty darn good and the two of them definately have made hockey much more interesting recently.

Oh, also. Head to head Sid is better. Stats prove it.

See the above chapter. Also, you sound like a typical Pens fan so you didn't have to mention that you were one. The knee-to-knee shit could not have been more overplayed by all the Don Cherry-slurping Canadian pussies who think this is figure skating. If you get too close to the tornado you're going to get sucked in. If you don't like it, do something. O wait, you can't, because he's Alex Ovechkin. Also, the "hardware" argument works much better in the NBA than the NHL, where goaltending is the number one most important thing in the playoffs. Let me ask, are you a Lebron fan?

[DC Muskie]

6-3 bitches.

I love watching Sid get pushed off the puck during face-offs. that guy couldn't win a face-off if his life depended on it.

The Caps have plenty of talent. We need to work on our defense and make sure Three-a-dore doesn't get rattled, like he did in the early part of the game.

The Trash has now been put out. Please make sure to pick it up.

6-3.

[Strange Brew]

6-3 bitches.

I love watching Sid get pushed off the puck during face-offs. that guy couldn't win a face-off if his life depended on it.

The Caps have plenty of talent. We need to work on our defense and make sure Three-a-dore doesn't get rattled, like he did in the early part of the game.

The Trash has now been put out. Please make sure to pick it up.

6-3.

According to ESPN Sid has more goals than knee boy 33-31.

Here is a pic of Sid picking up the trash last year:

http://gomng.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/2009-stanley-cup-pittsburgh-penguins-sidney-crosby.jpg?

[Filthy Chilean]

Crosby's name is on the cup. O's is not. Nuff said. Ovie is also a knee throwing cheap shot artist....buuuut I have to admit as a Pens (That's without an "i" for you 5 five year olds on the board:D) fan that he's pretty darn good and the two of them definately have made hockey much more interesting recently.

Oh, also. Head to head Sid is better. Stats prove it.

A couple years ago when the Pens were in the basement, Crosby stopped playing. I'm not talking about one game, every game. He just didn't care. Worthless.

Ovie is the far superior of the two. Mainly because of what he brings every night but also because Sid isn't smart enough to get out of that dump hole Shittsburgh.

Names on the cup are great, but Sid didn't do it alone. Ovie will have his name on Lord Stanley's booze urn soon, probably more than once.

[Strange Brew]

A couple years ago when the Pens were in the basement, Crosby stopped playing. I'm not talking about one game, every game. He just didn't care. Worthless.

Ovie is the far superior of the two. Mainly because of what he brings every night but also because Sid isn't smart enough to get out of that dump hole Shittsburgh.

Names on the cup are great, but Sid didn't do it alone. Ovie will have his name on Lord Stanley's booze urn soon, probably more than once.

you sound like a Dayton fan. Next year we'll win or this is our year (yet only to come up short again).

[PMI]

A couple years ago when the Pens were in the basement, Crosby stopped playing. I'm not talking about one game, every game. He just didn't care. Worthless.

Ovie is the far superior of the two. Mainly because of what he brings every night but also because Sid isn't smart enough to get out of that dump hole Shittsburgh.

Names on the cup are great, but Sid didn't do it alone. Ovie will have his name on Lord Stanley's booze urn soon, probably more than once.

And Ovi's name will be on the Cup, fear not. That really is the reason that many neutral observers choose 8 over 87. Other than the fact that Crosby whines and Ovi has a gret personality, Ovechkin is one of the few stars in sports that truly brings his A game EVERY SINGLE SHIFT. It's a treat to get to watch him play in person dozens of times a year.

And Strange Brew, enjoy your slim goal lead while it lasts. Despite the fact that Ovechkin has played about 10 less games than everyone else he will STILL win the scoring title because he is that much better than everyone else. Sidney Crosby will never ever finish with more goals than Ovechkin unless serious long-term injuries come into play. Despite the facts that Crosby will finish the season with about 10 more games played, Ovechkin will finish with more points. Book that.

6-3. Theodore gave Crosby the first goal of the game with a little ribbon and a personalized note attached to it, but I give the head-case credit for buckling down and winning it down the stretch. Still can't wait to have Varly back, then we really start rolling.

[Porkopolis]

Ugh...that game killed my fantasy team. I started Crosby and Goligoski and went down hard on +/-.

At the moment, #8 is the best player in the world, and it isn't even close. I can't stand the Caps but man do I love to watch their offense at work. I would say the next tier (Crosby, Semin, etc.) is very tightly bunched with Crosby getting my nod as #2.

[MD Muskie]

Crosby's name is on the cup. O's is not. Nuff said. Ovie is also a knee throwing cheap shot artist....buuuut I have to admit as a Pens (That's without an "i" for you 5 five year olds on the board:D) fan that he's pretty darn good and the two of them definately have made hockey much more interesting recently.

Oh, also. Head to head Sid is better. Stats prove it.

Yes we all know that Cindy Crybaby's name is on the Cup, it was basically a conspiracy to get him on the Cup and market him because Ovie's popularity was skyrocketing. With that said, The Pens were worthy to win it last year and the Caps were still learning a lot of lessons. What will happen come playoff time this year is anyboby's guess, but teams should fear the Caps because they are more talented and more importantly deeper than they were last year.

Now about this kneeing crap. Does Ovie play reckless...YES, but that is what makes him special. I would rather him take a hit and get back up and hit another player over Cindy getting hit by a rookie defenseman (clean hit by the way) and getting up and crying to the refs about the hit. Cindy is a coward, his manerisms show that.

And here is the worst thing about pens fans, you talk about history like they have 100 years of it. The Pens were nobobies until Super Mario came around in the late 80s. So that means your history is about 20 years old. I admit the Caps history is not all that great, but Ovie is changing that much like Mario. Who is to say that Ovie isn't creating the history of the Capitals right now much like mario once did for the Pens.

[Strange Brew]

Yes we all know that Cindy Crybaby's name is on the Cup, it was basically a conspiracy to get him on the Cup and market him because Ovie's popularity was skyrocketing. With that said, The Pens were worthy to win it last year and the Caps were still learning a lot of lessons. What will happen come playoff time this year is anyboby's guess, but teams should fear the Caps because they are more talented and more importantly deeper than they were last year.

Now about this kneeing crap. Does Ovie play reckless...YES, but that is what makes him special. I would rather him take a hit and get back up and hit another player over Cindy getting hit by a rookie defenseman (clean hit by the way) and getting up and crying to the refs about the hit. Cindy is a coward, his manerisms show that.

And here is the worst thing about pens fans, you talk about history like they have 100 years of it. The Pens were nobobies until Super Mario came around in the late 80s. So that means your history is about 20 years old. I admit the Caps history is not all that great, but Ovie is changing that much like Mario. Who is to say that Ovie isn't creating the history of the Capitals right now much like mario once did for the Pens.

Wow, Ovie fans are sensitive. I think he is a great player. That said. He lost, to Sid, last year in the playoffs. Sid (Cindy, cute) has the edge until Ovie proves to be a winner.

Ovie plays hard and I do like that but the knee thing (which he has done multiple times) is cheap and dirty. He has injured a couple of players doing it. It needs to stop.

You're right about the Pens. They weren't much before Super Mario and actually they'd be in a different city if he didn't buy the team. I would argue that team had the best starting line in history with Mario, Jagr, Stevens, Murphy and Samulson (SP).

[PMI]

Wow, Ovie fans are sensitive. I think he is a great player. That said. He lost, to Sid, last year in the playoffs. Sid (Cindy, cute) has the edge until Ovie proves to be a winner.

Ovie plays hard and I do like that but the knee thing (which he has done multiple times) is cheap and dirty. He has injured a couple of players doing it. It needs to stop.

You're right about the Pens. They weren't much before Super Mario and actually they'd be in a different city if he didn't buy the team. I would argue that team had the best starting line in history with Mario, Jagr, Stevens, Murphy and Samulson (SP).

Ovie did not lose to Sid. That is just not true. This is not the NBA where you can almost reasonably make those kinds of remarks. The Caps lost to the Pens, a more experienced team with considerably better goaltending at the time. Both Ovie and Sid produced big time in that series and pretty much cancelled each other out scoring wise. The Caps D and goaltending was just a little behind Pittsburgh's and that was the difference in Game 7. Varlamov, a rookie who had played well up to that point, finally had a bad game at the worst time and Fleury played lights out. That's the story.

Since the two have been in the league (2005): Pittsburgh > Washington. Ovechkin > Crosby. It really is that simple.

[DC Muskie]

Brew-

How in the world are you a Trash fan?

[MD Muskie]

Wow, Ovie fans are sensitive. I think he is a great player. That said. He lost, to Sid, last year in the playoffs. Sid (Cindy, cute) has the edge until Ovie proves to be a winner.

Ovie plays hard and I do like that but the knee thing (which he has done multiple times) is cheap and dirty. He has injured a couple of players doing it. It needs to stop.

You're right about the Pens. They weren't much before Super Mario and actually they'd be in a different city if he didn't buy the team. I would argue that team had the best starting line in history with Mario, Jagr, Stevens, Murphy and Samulson (SP).

Yeah I am pretty sure the Oilers of the 80s could argue you there.

[Strange Brew]

Brew-

How in the world are you a Trash fan?

My uncle lives two houses down from Super Mario and he (my Uncle) would take me to games when we visited Pittsburgh. Since Cincy didn't/doesn't have an NHL team I adopted the Pens in the mid 80's.

[Filthy Chilean]

You should probably think of adopting the Albany River Rats before sinking to the depths of anything Shittsburgh.

[PMI]

My uncle lives two houses down from Super Mario and he (my Uncle) would take me to games when we visited Pittsburgh. Since Cincy didn't/doesn't have an NHL team I adopted the Pens in the mid 80's.

Ask him if Crosby still lives in Mario's dungeon as his little sex slave.

[Backyard Champ]

Wow, what a freaking game today. I know there are some posters who go to Caps game on this board, how was that experience? Ovechkin with a hatrick, and an assist on the last goal. When they were down 4-1 I was thought it would take a miracle to come back. Very exciting game to watch, and I think the NHL had to love that game.

[wkrq59]

Ask him if Crosby still lives in Mario's dungeon as his little sex slave.

PMI,
As someone who grew up watching Jean Beleveau, Maurice and Henri Richard, Ivan Cournyer, Gordy, Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito and a ton of goalies of that era too numerous to mention or bother typing I understand your fervor for the game.
I've been very fortunate to watch the likes of Gretzky, Messier, and the stars of that era, including Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur.
I can say that Ovechkin, Cosby, (p.s.I didn't get to watch too much Mario and his guys), but Stevie Y and the modern Red Wings, Hasek and Osgood have only added to a wonderful game.
But just getting to watch a game like Sunday's was a treat. I was surprised by the number of goals Marc-Andre Fleury gave up. Of course I think damn few goalies could have reacted fast enough to stop that Ovetchkin goal in the third period that tied the game at 4.
In the long run, I think the Caps are going to need a better goalie than Theodore, who's been around but never quite made the Roy and Brodeur class. And I still like to watch the Red Wings of a couple of years ago, even with an over-the-hill Cellios. That was a true team.:D:D:D

[Strange Brew]

Ask him if Crosby still lives in Mario's dungeon as his little sex slave.

As far as I know he still lives at Mario's castle. Not sure about the sex slave thing, you'll just have to keep fantasizing.

Anyway, hats off to OV today. He was the man for sure and while Sid did have a great game he was definately overshadowed.

I hope these two teams meet up in the playoffs again b/c today's game was awesome to watch.

[MD Muskie]

PMI,
As someone who grew up watching Jean Beleveau, Maurice and Henri Richard, Ivan Cournyer, Gordy, Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito and a ton of goalies of that era too numerous to mention or bother typing I understand your fervor for the game.
I've been very fortunate to watch the likes of Gretzky, Messier, and the stars of that era, including Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur.
I can say that Ovechkin, Cosby, (p.s.I didn't get to watch too much Mario and his guys), but Stevie Y and the modern Red Wings, Hasek and Osgood have only added to a wonderful game.
But just getting to watch a game like Sunday's was a treat. I was surprised by the number of goals Marc-Andre Fleury gave up. Of course I think damn few goalies could have reacted fast enough to stop that Ovetchkin goal in the third period that tied the game at 4.
In the long run, I think the Caps are going to need a better goalie than Theodore, who's been around but never quite made the Roy and Brodeur class. And I still like to watch the Red Wings of a couple of years ago, even with an over-the-hill Cellios. That was a true team.:D:D:D

While Theodore has been great during this streak, the Caps goalie that will be playing in the playoffs will be Semyon (Sp?) Varlamov. He has been hurt for the last month but he is their goalie.

With that said, the atmosphere was awesome in the third period. However it was a quiet and late arriving crowd because of snowmageddon 2010. I was a little dissapointed in the crowd but we woke up when MVP (Ovie) scored his second goal.

This streak has been great and its made a not so great sports come alive with such a fun and exciting team. I am really excited for the playoffs because i think they have learned a lot lessons from the past two playoff years.

[PMI]

PMI,
As someone who grew up watching Jean Beleveau, Maurice and Henri Richard, Ivan Cournyer, Gordy, Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito and a ton of goalies of that era too numerous to mention or bother typing I understand your fervor for the game.
I've been very fortunate to watch the likes of Gretzky, Messier, and the stars of that era, including Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur.
I can say that Ovechkin, Cosby, (p.s.I didn't get to watch too much Mario and his guys), but Stevie Y and the modern Red Wings, Hasek and Osgood have only added to a wonderful game.
But just getting to watch a game like Sunday's was a treat. I was surprised by the number of goals Marc-Andre Fleury gave up. Of course I think damn few goalies could have reacted fast enough to stop that Ovetchkin goal in the third period that tied the game at 4.
In the long run, I think the Caps are going to need a better goalie than Theodore, who's been around but never quite made the Roy and Brodeur class. And I still like to watch the Red Wings of a couple of years ago, even with an over-the-hill Cellios. That was a true team.:D:D:D

Sunday's game was absolutely a treat and one of the best hockey games I've ever been to. For a game with 9 goals there really weren't any cases of poor goaltending. There were a few defensive lapses on each end which left the goalies with difficult chances to stop star players, but that's what you'll get any time these two teams play.

Once again, the game within the game, Ovi vs. Sid, lived right up to the hype. In a sport where you're a star for averaging over a point a game, these two never fail to tear it up head to head. It is truly the greatest current individual rivalry in team sports in that regard (constantly living up to the hype.) What also makes the rivalry so outstanding is that it has something that most professional sports lack in this day and age: it's not just the fans who hate each other, the two teams are genuine rivals and it shows each and every shift. It'll be a pleasure to watch the next 2 followed by the all-but-inevitable series to follow this spring. Stay tuned.

As far as the goalie situation, as MD said, if Varlamov is healthy he is our guy. The problem is, his lower body (which is a freakish strength of his) has been constantly haunted by nagging injuries the past couple years. I think the Caps are secretly banking on him being healthy for the playoffs, and hopefully he is, but in case he's not, I don't buy into the theory that we are too weak in net to win. No team is capable of winning a series against us with a bunch of 2-1 victories. To beat Washington you have to score because we will. Our style of play is extremely offensive and as a result it creates the slight misconception that we are all offense. Sure, we sacrifice some on the defensive end to push the way we do, but we have some really good players on D who have been there to help close out games when we've needed them. The same goes for Theodore. His biggest problem for years had nothing to do with his talent (he's a former Vezina winner don't forget) but rather his head. Lately, however, he has been pretty on point and has been absolutely money in the third period. You need great goaltending to win a Cup, but not necessarily a goalie who the whole team has to lean on as people seem to think. The way we're playing right now, we don't need to make any changes (although a solid D man before the deadline would be welcomed.)

As for the crowd, obviously the weather affected people's plans but by the third period the place had gotten pretty full. I had already snuck down to a suite where I capitalized on plenty of free food and beer but I saw my regular section start to fill up. One thing that was really annoying was how the lack of ushers led to people walking around the whole game. PUCK IS IN PLAY PEOPLE. This is kindergarden knowledge. Good news is next time this game won't fall on Super Bowl Sunday and we'll actually get more than a "by-the-way" kind of mention on SportsCenter.

[PMI]

For those who have DirecTV and/or the NHL Network, there's an excellent special on the Ovechkin/Crosby rivalry (from an NHL and Olympic standpoint) that is an hour long and airing nonstop until noon tomorrow. It's absolutely worth checking out for all sports fans and is a great way to pump you up for the Olympic games and the playoffs! This is a fantastic time for hockey to say the least!

[PMI]

Rough night for Pens fans last night as they not only got SWEPT by your President's Trophy winning Washington Capitals, but had to watch their most hated player dump in an unnecessary empty-netter with 0.2 seconds remaining, to grab a share of the lead in the race for the Rocket Richard trophy (most goals in a season) alongside their beloved little crybaby. Must have stung. I'll add that the reason the Rocket Richard race is even a race is because Ovechkin has played about 10 less games than Cindy, but it'll probably take a bigger gap than that to keep the Russian machine from winning it, yet again, along with several other awards he's been hoarding. The playoffs are moving upon us quickly. For the Caps fans on the board there may be a chance I'll have extra playoff tickets to sell but there's no guarantee yet. I'll give Xavier Caps fans the first chance to grab them if I do, followed by other local Caps fans, then casual observers, then uninterested girls, then convicted felons violating probation, then dayton fans. No Pens fans will be eligible to purchase. UNLEASH THE FURY!

[DC Muskie]

How sweep it is!

[Backyard Champ]

Huge for the caps. Loved Ovechkin throwing that goal in with .02 seconds left in the game. Only way to make it better is if he would have celebrated it big time, just shoving into pens fans faces. Anyone watching last night get the feeling it wasn't as heated as normal? Seemed to me at first that the first period the teams were just going through the motions really. Started picking up in the second and third though.

Fleury had a really rough game. 2 of the first 3 goals were pretty bad goal tending IMO. As for awards, anyone think Ovie still has a chance for another MVP? I would love it, but I don't see it happening. Having been suspended multiple times really hurts his chances. Even if he deserved it, which he may, the suspensions will keep the NHL from giving it to him. Having said that, Ovechkin is tied for the most goals and has the most over all points, and is a ridiculous +43 on the year.

[PMI]

As for awards, anyone think Ovie still has a chance for another MVP? I would love it, but I don't see it happening. Having been suspended multiple times really hurts his chances. Even if he deserved it, which he may, the suspensions will keep the NHL from giving it to him. Having said that, Ovechkin is tied for the most goals and has the most over all points, and is a ridiculous +43 on the year.

I think he deserves the Hart very slightly over Ryan Miller. Miller has had an outstanding year and I'd have no problem if he won it, but Ovi has done amazing things. His first year as captain, leading his team to its first President's Trophy (which they not only won but dominated) while averaging by far the mot points/goals per game and having an unheard of +/- for a forward (or anyone.) The suspensions will hurt his chances, but not justifiably so. The second suspension was a complete and utter joke on the NHL's part and both suspensions certainly would have been avoided if his name and reputation weren't Alex Ovechkin. To produce the way he does while playing with the physicality he plays with makes him that much more deserving IMO. He brings more to the table than any other individual player and should be rewarded accordingly, but when it's all said and done, I think people go with Miller, the big Olympic story, who played the most difficult position better than anyone by far this year. I won't complain if Miller wins, but if anyone else does over Ovechkin, that will be a joke.

[Backyard Champ]

I think he deserves the Hart very slightly over Ryan Miller. Miller has had an outstanding year and I'd have no problem if he won it, but Ovi has done amazing things. His first year as captain, leading his team to its first President's Trophy (which they not only won but dominated) while averaging by far the mot points/goals per game and having an unheard of +/- for a forward (or anyone.) The suspensions will hurt his chances, but not justifiably so. The second suspension was a complete and utter joke on the NHL's part and both suspensions certainly would have been avoided if his name and reputation weren't Alex Ovechkin. To produce the way he does while playing with the physicality he plays with makes him that much more deserving IMO. He brings more to the table than any other individual player and should be rewarded accordingly, but when it's all said and done, I think people go with Miller, the big Olympic story, who played the most difficult position better than anyone by far this year. I won't complain if Miller wins, but if anyone else does over Ovechkin, that will be a joke.

Yeah I think that the Olympics will actually play a big part in the decision, even though it shouldn't. I can't remember who it was, but didn't someone from the Penguins drill Ovechkin from behind, causing him to go head first into the boards earlier in a matchup this year? I don't know if that guy even got a penalty, and I'm positive he wasn't suspended.

Looked it up, no penalty, nothing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkQKBGAQExQ

[MD Muskie]

If Ovie doesn't win the Hart it will not be because of the supensions. The real factor is that his team is deeper and better now. Two 40 goal scorers; three guys with over 30; 5 or 6 with over 20; and I think Matt Bradley made it 8 with 10 or more goals. That's just scary.

In a weird sense, the suspensions are actually helping his debate numbers wise. Crosby and Sedin both have had ten more games than Ovie and his tied in goals and one point behind in points. That is just sick. But the real factor is that this Caps team is way better than it has been in past. Take him away and the team still scores in bunches.

[PMI]

Yeah I think that the Olympics will actually play a big part in the decision, even though it shouldn't. I can't remember who it was, but didn't someone from the Penguins drill Ovechkin from behind, causing him to go head first into the boards earlier in a matchup this year? I don't know if that guy even got a penalty, and I'm positive he wasn't suspended.

Looked it up, no penalty, nothing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkQKBGAQExQ

Yea I remember that one. That hit could not be more identical (and if anything a little bit more of a shove by the defender) to the hit that got Ovechkin suspended. Pittsburgh also had Matt Cooke cheaply punch a player in the back of the head, concussing him, and he got nothing. Like it or not, the NHL is still run mostly by Canadian purists who can actually listen to Don Cherry talk without laughing, crying, or puking.

I agree MD that the Caps are an excellent, excellent team with or without Ovechkin. They put up video game numbers, the likes of which the NHL hasn't seen anything close to in it's modern era. But I really do think his suspensions will factor into his losing the Hart trophy (if that happens) along with the Olympics. These are human voters and a lot of them are the Candian purists I referred to. Not saying the cases they make won't hold merit, but things that probably shouldn't factor into the voting often do when you have writers involved. Maybe Miller really is the most VALUABLE player in regards to whose absence hurts their team the most, but not all voters use that to come to their conclusions.

Honestly though, Ovi has nothing more to prove as an individual, having already won everything. He's already wrapped up a career's worth of individual awards and nobody really even questions his status as the game's greatest scorer. Now he's at the point where he's the captain, the team is so much better, and all that matters to him and anyone else is winning the cup. We've already got the President's Trophy, now time to add another team award. And I think Pittsburgh, defending champions or not, have to be pretty disheartened that the two teams that pose the biggest threat to them in the East each swept them on the season. It's a very big misconception to think they can just magically turn it on as soon as the playoffs begin. I'd be very concerned if I were a Pittsburgh fan. I'd also smell offensive and carry lots of STDs.

[Backyard Champ]

True PMI, the Caps are a hell of an offensive team, but does that worry anyone about the playoffs? The caps have won this year because of how good their offense is, but when they need to rely on their defense to win a game here or there in the playoffs, will they be able to?

This is what Blue Jackets' Umberger had to say about the Caps:
"I don't think any team in the West would be overmatched by them," Umberger told the Dispatch. "They play the wrong way. They want to be moving all the time. They float around in their zone, looking for breakaways and odd-man rushes.

"A good defensive team is going to beat them (in the playoffs). If you eliminate your turnovers and keep them off the power play, they're going to get frustrated because they're in their zone a lot."

I think he has a few good points, but at the same time I still think the Caps can win the Cup this year. I could see a potential matchup with Buffalo and Miller being a problem, if Miller brings his A game.

Cant wait for the playoffs to start, best proffesional playoffs out there. Got the NHL network and VS this year, so I should be able to catch at least 1-2 games a night.

[MD Muskie]

the Caps are the best 5-on-5 team in the league. The only reason they are not better defensively numbers-wise is because of a bad penalty kill. However if you look at their 5-on-5 goals against then they are outstanding. I don't have the #s in front of me but those #' have not been seen since the oilers/islanders of the early 80s. Less penalties get called in the playoffs so no I am not worried that the offense will drop off.

And shouldn't the Pens feel nervous considering they have absolutely ZERO wins against the tops two teams in the eastern conference.

[PMI]

True PMI, the Caps are a hell of an offensive team, but does that worry anyone about the playoffs? The caps have won this year because of how good their offense is, but when they need to rely on their defense to win a game here or there in the playoffs, will they be able to?

This is what Blue Jackets' Umberger had to say about the Caps:
"I don't think any team in the West would be overmatched by them," Umberger told the Dispatch. "They play the wrong way. They want to be moving all the time. They float around in their zone, looking for breakaways and odd-man rushes.

"A good defensive team is going to beat them (in the playoffs). If you eliminate your turnovers and keep them off the power play, they're going to get frustrated because they're in their zone a lot."

I think he has a few good points, but at the same time I still think the Caps can win the Cup this year. I could see a potential matchup with Buffalo and Miller being a problem, if Miller brings his A game.

Cant wait for the playoffs to start, best proffesional playoffs out there. Got the NHL network and VS this year, so I should be able to catch at least 1-2 games a night.

I don't buy Umberger's argument and there are plenty of other players whose opinions deserve merit over his. The Caps have had defensive issues in their losses, but his assessment is way off, and he's likely basing it off the one game we played against Columbus which we played very poorly in and lost. Don't forget, the Pens are a very offensive team too who give up as many goals as we do and they won last year. People put too much weight on the notion that you need a shut-down goalie and top-notch defense to win in the playoffs. All good teams are capable of playing good defense. You'd be crazy to think the Caps have won games this year with good defense. It's just that they happen to have the best offense the NHL has witnessed in a long time too.

Their style of play will NOT hurt them and will be something that each team they play will have to change their gameplan to deal with. If we lose, it will be because of lack of execution or just some really bad goaltending. If we get adequate goaltending, which we have most of the year, we will be able to win games. Umberger acts like you can just decide to eliminate your turnovers and keep our top-ranked power play off the ice. What he doesn't realize is that our style of play has made that task one of the most difficult things for any team in the league to do this year. Unfortunately, he'll have no say in the matter since his team was out of it months ago, and the Caps have been fine against the top west team this year. Again, there is not a magic switch that changes these things come playoffs. The Caps control their own destiny, play our A game and we'll have the best chance of hoisting the Cup.

[XULucho27]

Well it seems Pens fans here are outnumbered. A lot of great things have been discussed here and I'd like to share my opinions.

First, enough cannot be said about the Capitals offensive stats. They are insanely ridiculous. They lead the league in Goals-per-Game, total Goals (they have 305, the second closest team, Vancouver, has 259), Power Play Goals (79) and Power Play percentage (25.8). I honestly cannot remember the last time a team completely dominated every single offensive category in the fashion which Washington has done this season. Their offense is absolutely the reason they've been winning games and all credit must be given to that stellar unit.

The defense however, is another story. While not awful by any means, the Caps are giving up 2.78 Goals per game, have let up 222 Goals this season (both ranked 14th in the NHL) and are killing a paltry 78.8 percent of penalties (25th in the NHL). These numbers are in no small part due to the GAPING hole in front of the net known as Jose Theodore who boasts a 2.83 Goals per game average (33rd in the NHL) and a .910 Save percentage (22nd in the NHL).

The question is will this preclude them from making a run at the Stanley Cup. While they've shown to be far and away the best offensive team this season, a lot of that can turn in the playoffs. It's been shown time and time that simply trying to outscore your opponents in consecutive 7 game series just doesn't work (See playoff series vs. Pittsburgh '09). At some point you need the defense to step up and kill penalties and for your goalie to shut down the other team. Every goalie is going to have a bad night every once in a while, but if it's consistently average/bad like Theodore this season, you can guarantee disaster. That's why I can't picture the Capitals winning the Cup until they fix these problems. They could win the Eastern Conference, but a Chicago, Vancouver, San Jose, Los Angeles or even a healthy Detroit (ugh) could also put up as many goals taking away the scoring advantage and putting Washington in a hole by forcing the Caps to rely on their D/Goaltending.

In interest of full disclosure I'm a Pens fan, so make of it what you will in my assessment of the Caps, but I still think they're a couple of Defensive pieces away from winning the whole thing.

In the matter of Sid vs. Ovechkin, I don't like to compare because they are very different players, playing at different positions. Crosby's vision on the ice (being at the right place for a rebound, passing, etc...) are unmatched in the NHL today. That being said, Ovie's offensive prowess and pure goal scoring ability is out of this world. IMO it's two different skill sets which they have both mastered in their own right.

[XULucho27]

How sweep it is!

Let's not forget the Pens went 1-3 against the Caps in the regular season last year. In the end all that matters is those 4 wins in May.

[PMI]

I was waiting for you to jump in Lucho. The only thing I'll disagree with you on regards Theodore. A lot of those bad numbers were inflated early in the season. The issue with him is mental, and you don't really know what you're going to get, but he has shown that he can get it done this season. Hell, he had a couple month stretch where he was truly outstanding. Plus, while he appears to be the clear frontrunner for the starting job right now, do not write off Varlamov. He gave us good goaltending last year as a rookie and we were one game away from knocking off the eventual champs and moving on. We were not that far last year and we are much better this year. Goaltending is undeniably our biggest area of concern, but it does not have to be our downfall.

Again, the Caps can win four seven-game series' with an offense that carries the load and a D and goalie that are efficient. They are extremely capable of playing great defense and getting it done between the pipes. We are no worse in that regard than the Pens were in the regular season last year, in fact better, and like with them, it will be about us executing. Our experience and maturity leads me to believe we'll do a better job with that this year. If Buffalo gets Miller's A game (likely) and their offense plays out of its mind (unlikely) that would be a series that scares me. Everyone else I know we can take care of.

[MD Muskie]

Every goalie is going to have a bad night every once in a while, but if it's consistently average/bad like Theodore this season, you can guarantee disaster. That's why I can't picture the Capitals winning the Cup until they fix these problems. They could win the Eastern Conference, but a Chicago, Vancouver, San Jose, Los Angeles or even a healthy Detroit (ugh) could also put up as many goals taking away the scoring advantage and putting Washington in a hole by forcing the Caps to rely on their D/Goaltending.



That is incorrect.

I think you are just lumping other medicore seasons upon Theodore. He has been anything but average/bad this year. Even with this offensive team, you can't be average/bad and go 17-0-3 for a stretch. And ask the Pens and Wings, Theodore has been awesome when the Caps have played them. Let's be fair to Theo and give him his due for a better season that he has had.

[XULucho27]

I was waiting for you to jump in Lucho. The only thing I'll disagree with you on regards Theodore. A lot of those bad numbers were inflated early in the season. The issue with him is mental, and you don't really know what you're going to get, but he has shown that he can get it done this season. Hell, he had a couple month stretch where he was truly outstanding. Plus, while he appears to be the clear frontrunner for the starting job right now, do not write off Varlamov. He gave us good goaltending last year as a rookie and we were one game away from knocking off the eventual champs and moving on. We were not that far last year and we are much better this year. Goaltending is undeniably our biggest area of concern, but it does not have to be our downfall.

Again, the Caps can win four seven-game series' with an offense that carries the load and a D and goalie that are efficient. They are extremely capable of playing great defense and getting it done between the pipes. We are no worse in that regard than the Pens were in the regular season last year, in fact better, and like with them, it will be about us executing. Our experience and maturity leads me to believe we'll do a better job with that this year. If Buffalo gets Miller's A game (likely) and their offense plays out of its mind (unlikely) that would be a series that scares me. Everyone else I know we can take care of.

Agreed, I think the Caps can take care of anyone put in their way in the Eastern Conference. However, I don't think they'll sweep every series and more importantly, I think the possible rematch with the Pens will be a another 7 game series, should it occur. You watch the Caps way more than I do obviously and are therefore a more reliable source when it comes to what you expect from them (especially in their problem areas). My real concern however, is the Caps playing a physical team that can frustrate them into penalties. Regardless of how they do on the other end the PK numbers they have now in the playoffs could kill them in a one game scenario (facing elimination in games 5, 6, or 7) if they happen to take dumb penalties. And while it's not the Caps M/O to take a lot of penalties, as you well know, anything can happen in the playoffs.

Anyway, I've not by any means written off my Penguins. I just have to get back into intensive hockey viewing now that X basketball is over. We'll be seeing each other in the playoffs good sir. Lord Stanley's Cup is not ready to depart it's rightful home at the banks of the three rivers. (Ironic that I wrote that last sentence since you know how much I hate the Steelers, but I get a pass cause I'm foreign).

[XULucho27]

That is incorrect.

I think you are just lumping other medicore seasons upon Theodore. He has been anything but average/bad this year. Even with this offensive team, you can't be average/bad and go 17-0-3 for a stretch. And ask the Pens and Wings, Theodore has been awesome when the Caps have played them. Let's be fair to Theo and give him his due for a better season that he has had.

You guys both know more about the Caps than I do, so again I will defer to your judgement. I was mostly going off the terrible stats he's had this season, but if you believe he's been solid for most of the season I will believe you. I'm still not sold on the notion that he's the long term answer, or even the short term one that can win you guys the Cup though. Varlamov on the other hand, showed some flashes of brilliance last post-season. It'll be interesting to see him develop over the next few years. Do you guys think he's the real deal for the Caps?

[PMI]

Agreed, I think the Caps can take care of anyone put in their way in the Eastern Conference. However, I don't think they'll sweep every series and more importantly, I think the possible rematch with the Pens will be a another 7 game series, should it occur. You watch the Caps way more than I do obviously and are therefore a more reliable source when it comes to what you expect from them (especially in their problem areas). My real concern however, is the Caps playing a physical team that can frustrate them into penalties. Regardless of how they do on the other end the PK numbers they have now in the playoffs could kill them in a one game scenario (facing elimination in games 5, 6, or 7) if they happen to take dumb penalties. And while it's not the Caps M/O to take a lot of penalties, as you well know, anything can happen in the playoffs.

Anyway, I've not by any means written off my Penguins. I just have to get back into intensive hockey viewing now that X basketball is over. We'll be seeing each other in the playoffs good sir. Lord Stanley's Cup is not ready to depart it's rightful home at the banks of the three rivers. (Ironic that I wrote that last sentence since you know how much I hate the Steelers, but I get a pass cause I'm foreign).

As far as playing against physical teams, that was one of my initial concerns to start the year, but as the season's progressed I think our guys have all taken a page from Ovi's book and become a much stronger, tougher team than we were earlier. We won't be mistaken for a bunch of bruisers, but physical play has been less of a concern and we've done a better job matching it as the season's gone on, IMO.

We do have issues with dumb penalties, but it's usually a few repeat offenders. Semin is the biggest offender. For as insanely talented as he is he can really fall asleep sometimes, but one thing I'll reiterate is that we've really been different since Ovi became captain. He's matured a lot and others have followed. We'll still fall back to our old tendencies at times, but we've done a lot better at limiting them. We will all see in due time...

And for what it's worth, I haven't written off the Pens either. I know that we will have to go through them to win and it will be a great series. I just think we're ready to tip the glass this time.

[Backyard Champ]

In the matter of Sid vs. Ovechkin, I don't like to compare because they are very different players, playing at different positions. Crosby's vision on the ice (being at the right place for a rebound, passing, etc...) are unmatched in the NHL today. That being said, Ovie's offensive prowess and pure goal scoring ability is out of this world. IMO it's two different skill sets which they have both mastered in their own right.

I think that is, in part, what makes the rivalry between the two so great. Both players are arguably the best in the game, yet they have vastly different styles, but both succeed. Love the rivalry. I anticipate a great playoff match up between the two, hopefully with the Caps pulling it out this time.

[MD Muskie]

You guys both know more about the Caps than I do, so again I will defer to your judgement. I was mostly going off the terrible stats he's had this season, but if you believe he's been solid for most of the season I will believe you. I'm still not sold on the notion that he's the long term answer, or even the short term one that can win you guys the Cup though. Varlamov on the other hand, showed some flashes of brilliance last post-season. It'll be interesting to see him develop over the next few years. Do you guys think he's the real deal for the Caps?

I think the stable of goalies they have now are unreal. Varlamov, Neuvirth, and Holtby are all the real deal. Its just a shame that one or two of them will have to play somewhere else. The only thing that really hurts Varly is that he is injury prone. Neuvirth and Holtby are very technically sound and will probably have a longer career then Varly IMO. Theodore will be gone after this season.

[PMI]

Varly is so talented and has an incredible lower body, but I don't feel like he's been 100% there physically at all in 2010. You're right, our 3 goalies are studs, but they are young. George McPhee elected not to go for veteran insurance in the net before the deadline and we will see if it proves to be the right decision. Luckily, his track record has been pretty good lately, so I'll trust that we'll get good play from whoever is in net (likely Theo) if he does. But I can't overemphasize the fact that the Caps DO NOT NEED TO WIN GAMES 2-1 or 1-0. I don't want to hear about the the postseason is different, yada yada yada. No team we face in the postseason will look at you straight in the face and tell you they would be confident scoring only 3 goals a game against the Washington Capitals. You will have to score to keep up in the majority of the games and, again, it's not like we're terrible on the other end either.

God I love hockey playoffs, I could go on all night.

[Xman95]

The only thing I'll disagree with you on regards Theodore.

Jose Theodore is a douchebag. Take of from a bitter Habs fan!

[Backyard Champ]

Ovie had a great night to get to 50 goals tonight. Had two goals and an assist!

[Michigan Muskie]

Go Wings.



No one wants to face Detroit in the playoffs. Not Crosby. Not Ovechkin. Not anybody. 10th straight year at 100 or more points and 19th straight year in the playoffs. As hot as they are right now, seeding is almost irrelevant.

[PMI]

Whew, that was as drunk as I've been at a game in awhile. Fun game last night. It was just a matter of time before Ovie had another big night and took back the lead. I expect him to have a couple more tomorrow to lock things up.

Michigan, I agree the Wings are a scary team right now with finally getting healthy. That'll be a tough series for anyone. But I would disagree that neither the Pens nor Caps would want any part of them. Obviously, it would have to be the Finals for the matchup to happen, so that would be pretty awesome in and of itself. But Washington matches up better with Detroit than Pittsburgh does, IMO, and I don't think the Pens would be afraid of them having split the last two cups with the Wings. All that said, I'd much rather play Vancouver or Phoenix or someone else. The only time we ever made it that far the Wings pulled out the broom on us...

But as I've said all along, bring on whoever is in our way because this team controls it's own destiny this year. Also, congrats to Nick Backstrom, one of the NHL's most underrated and most reliable players, for notching his first 100 point season. For those who don't know the only other 100 point scorers this year are Ovi, Sid, and Henrick Sedin. Backstrom is as important to the Caps as anyone else on the team.

[Strange Brew]

See you (hopefully) in the second round. GO SID!, GO PENS!

BTW, the outdoor game this year will.....be.......epic. Sid v Ovie outdoors. Instant classic.

[Xavier]

See you (hopefully) in the second round. GO SID!, GO PENS!

BTW, the outdoor game this year will.....be.......epic. Sid v Ovie outdoors. Instant classic.

Phenominal. That will be an amazing game. Also- I dont think they will meet second round-I see an upset to the 2 or 3 and think Pens Caps will be the conference finals.

[PMI]

Phenominal. That will be an amazing game. Also- I dont think they will meet second round-I see an upset to the 2 or 3 and think Pens Caps will be the conference finals.

I agree, I really see the Boston over Buffalo upset coming. Boston is hot right now and for as much attention as Miller receives for being the difference maker, Tuuka Rask really isn't a downgrade of any kind. He actually has higher save% and GAA than Miller, even though he hasn't seen nearly the work load. That should be a grindy, physical series and I think Boston pulls it off. If the Pens do face the Devils in the second round I'd be very careful, although the Caps would have to be very careful with Boston or Buffalo too. Washington could be more polished in certain areas going into the postseason, but I think Pens fans especially have much to be concerned about heading into this week. Everyone not named Sid is going to have to find a way to turn on a light switch on and that's not an easy thing to just up and do this time of year. I do think they got a good first round draw with Ottawa, much better than having to play Boston right now IMO.

[PMI]

Tonight at 10:00 pm on HBO is the first episode of Penguins/Capitals 24/7. The 4-part mini-series leads up to this New Year's Day's Winter Classic, played outside between the two teams at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. Needless to say, I'm very pumped to watch this on DVR after I get home from the Caps game.

The Caps got off to their typically hot start this season, sitting alone in first place in the NHL, but have since gone on an inexplicable 6-game losing streak. Ovechkin is off to his coldest start in terms of goals scored, but he does have 24 assists already. Either way, he is not having a great start to his season and the Caps are struggling right now.

On the other hand, the Pens are on fire lately and Crosby has been by far the best player this year, leading the league in goals and points. This is the best hockey he has played. He is still slew-footing people like a little prick and whining like a little bitch, but you cannot argue with his production.

Anyway, I strongly suggest anyone, hockey fan or not, to tune in to HBO tonight and check it out. It should be some excellent TV. Ovechkin and Crosby will obviously be the stars of the show, with their opposite personalities and personal rivalry, but the show will also feature the overall rivalry between the two teams, the way these two great organizations are run, and some cool behind the scenes stuff. Check it out.

[XULucho27]

On the other hand, the Pens are on fire lately and Crosby has been by far the best player this year, leading the league in goals and points. This is the best hockey he has played. He is still slew-footing people like a little prick and whining like a little bitch, but you cannot argue with his production.


I know you are a rational fan and would have conceded this point were we having this conversation in person between us, but damn, it still brings me indescribable joy to have you admit it in an public forum. You're growing up so quick PMI.

[PMI]

I know you are a rational fan and would have conceded this point were we having this conversation in person between us, but damn, it still brings me indescribable joy to have you admit it in an public forum. You're growing up so quick PMI.

Don't blow your load Lucho. The key words were "this year." I should have also added "so far." But hey, I do try to be rational. Even a couple years ago when the tables were turned and Ovi had about 100 points more than anyone else, I can still think of a certain Pittsburgh kid who wouldn't admit the truth at the time. Your boy is working on Winter Classic tickets though, and if he lands them, I'll be in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for when the ball drops.