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Originally Posted by Hockey
Wow, that's a bold statement.
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I don't think it is at all. Right now the only real edge Crosby has over Ovechkin is team accomplishments. Crosby won the Cup and Gold Medal in Vancouver, although Ovechkin won a couple World's mind you (which is big in Europe, but not in North America). Individual accolades are heavily stacked in Ovechkin's corner, where all Crosby has is one Hart Trophy and a Richard Trophy.
Of course it all comes down to injuries though, in which Crosby is often of the shelf and is one bad hit away from a career ending injury. He will be lucky to play another ten years quite honestly. Meanwhile with Ovechkin he never misses action with injuries, and is one of the healthier players in the NHL. He could play well into his 40's if he chooses to. Ovechkin bounced back last year after having a couple off years. He also has a very solid chance surpassing Gretzky for most goals for in NHL history. At the pace Ovechkin is at right now he would need to play another 840 games, so about 11 seasons. He only turns 28 in September, so I think as long as he stays in the NHL that record is reachable. Then in regards to his durability Ovechkin has only missed a few games due to injuries, and a couple when he was suspended. With the reckless abandonment he brings to his game you would expect him to be injured more often, but that has not happened yet. He's built like a tank, and almost seems indestructible at times.
I might be out to lunch, but I think most GM's would take Ovechkin over Crosby based entirely around who will be the franchise guy for the next decade. Can anyone say with a certainty that Crosby will even play until he's 35? Although to be fair Crosby is the better player without a doubt, I am not insane enough to say otherwise. But which of the two will end up having the better career is the question.