Ovechkin.....What happened?

[trackercowe]

He did win the Hart and Rocket Richard the year after signed his contract. So I dunno how much you can blame the contract for him becoming a worse player. Kovalchuk seems to be playing just as well now that he has signed the last contract he will ever sign.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by trackercowe

He did win the Hart and Rocket Richard the year after signed his contract. So I dunno how much you can blame the contract for him becoming a worse player. Kovalchuk seems to be playing just as well now that he has signed the last contract he will ever sign.

Yes Ovechkin played well that first year of the big bucks...but has not been the same ONCE he had a mittfull of dough.

And not all players are the same, for sure, but even Kovalchuk can disappear at times. He was reportedly ready to stay in the KHL after the lockout as well. That doesnt scream "motivated" to me.

It's why I wouldn't have had a problem with the NHL wanting to go to non-guarenteed contracts had the lockout not been resolved. You want the money? Earn it.

[trackercowe]

Almost every player disappears at times. Not everyone can be Crosby or Toews and make a difference in nearly every game they play. When was the last time Iginla was a consistent performer? Probably around the same time Ovechkin was one 5-6 years ago.

I know in Iginla's case age is a major cause, but he has been invisible in countless games over the last few years as well. He's still making 7 mill too, so not a major difference in salary.

[killer_carlson]

I think it also helps put Iginla's reliability and durability into the remarkable light it belongs

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by trackercowe

Almost every player disappears at times. Not everyone can be Crosby or Toews and make a difference in nearly every game they play. When was the last time Iginla was a consistent performer? Probably around the same time Ovechkin was one 5-6 years ago.

I know in Iginla's case age is a major cause, but he has been invisible in countless games over the last few years as well. He's still making 7 mill too, so not a major difference in salary.

This thread is about ovie, yo.

[keenan87]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

This thread is about ovie, yo.

Yeah let's #### on another player while our own franchise player doesn't even show up to 80% of the games. We should be the last team's fans talking and calling out other teams players for not being motivated.

[Flame Of Liberty]

Originally Posted by trackercowe

Almost every player disappears at times. Not everyone can be Crosby or Toews and make a difference in nearly every game they play. When was the last time Iginla was a consistent performer? Probably around the same time Ovechkin was one 5-6 years ago.

I know in Iginla's case age is a major cause, but he has been invisible in countless games over the last few years as well. He's still making 7 mill too, so not a major difference in salary.

Well there's a difference, Iginla's not a Russian.

[home_sweet_dome]

Hookers and blow!

Seriously for a change, haha.

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by keenan87

Yeah let's #### on another player while our own franchise player doesn't even show up to 80% of the games. We should be the last team's fans talking and calling out other teams players for not being motivated.

There's plenty of threads covering that. Keep this one on topic.

[Perogy Man]

A hot fiancé and 10 mil a year will do this to you!

[trackercowe]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

This thread is about ovie, yo.

Not trying to go off topic, just saying almost every star player has games where they disappear, not just Ovie.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by TKB

Remember when people actually thought Ovi was a better player then Crosby? I think we can put that argument to rest now....

It was a fair argument when he was in his prime. Using his play now to fuel a dated argument doesn't really make sense.

[H2SO4(aq)]

Originally Posted by Red Slinger

Milbury may be correct in his assesment but I sure get tired of listening to his almost constant negativity and hyperbole. He and Glen Healey have the ahole hockey analyst schtick nailed down.

well its bang on assessment, what do you want him to say?

[zamler]

[Oling_Roachinen]

On a completely unrelated note, anyone know what happened to that guy who claimed to have given steroids to the Capitals?

[JeanLucPicard]

Here is our chance! trade Iginla for him!!

[Jables16]

Man he looks lazier than Heatley out there, and that's saying something.

[Red Slinger]

Originally Posted by H2SO4(aq)

well its bang on assessment, what do you want him to say?

It was a general comment on Milbury and Healey. In regards to this particular comment I suggested that he's probably correct.

Even so, it is possible to disagree in an agreeable manner instead of being a complete dick (referring to Milbury not you). I get tired of listening to some of these guys who's entire broadcasting career is built on being an ahole. That's all I'm saying. I very much prefer to listen to comments from, for instance, Kelly Hrudey, who can still criticize a player without having to resort to comments like "Euro-trash" to get noticed, get talked about on the internet and remain relevant.

[FAN]

I am one who thinks Ovechkin will bounce back. I don't think his ego will allow him to be just an average player in the NHL. The losing, the coaching changes, and the lack of significant roster additions has probably discouraged Ovechkin a bit. With that said, Ovechkin was alike an unstoppable force in his prime, and Ovechkin has probably taken a lot of punishment playing his style of game.

[keenan87]

Ovechkin for Cammalleri+Giordano+John Gaudreau