Ovechkin.....What happened?

[zunie75]

Before I say he's lost a step, or is washed up, I think a change of scenery is in order for him. Things obviously aren't working in Washington anymore. Maybe its the 3 coaches he's had in a short period of time, maybe its the switching from LW to RW every game. But some thing needs to give.

If he is moved and still plays like crap, then I think its safe to say his best days are over.

[vektor]

I saw a picture of him in the summer when he was really fat and his arms looked meek. I don't see the real mystery here, and comparing him to Crosby shows that. Crosby works like a dog all the time and I've never seen him looking over weight, meanwhile Ovechkin sometimes looks like he sat on the couch for 6 months straight. He gets by on natural gifts, he'd be the best player if he had more discipline because he's got the speed, size, shot and stick handling as good as the best guys. He just doesn't take care of his body very well. His negative attitude demonstrates just how badly he takes care of himself, his head is probably all messed up from partying too much and not eating enough nutrients

[Jebus]

Originally Posted by timbit

I hope Flames fans have a player to cheer for in the Olympics. Of course they will cheer for Canada.

Of course we will. Switzerland is ranked 9th and will be in Sochi. Problem solved.

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by saillias

His team kept on getting bounced early in the playoffs when he was at his most dominant. What's the motivation to keep on playing like that? If the Caps saw more success in the post season I suspect he would have kept pace with Crosby and Malkin, who not by coincidence I think, have been on a consistently successful Pittsburgh team. If the Pens were getting swept in the 1st round when Crosby or Malkin were getting 110+ points I bet we might be having the same conversation about those guys.

And the closest the Caps have gotten to the conference finals in years was last year when Hunter was benching him every 2nd game.

[Jebus]

Originally Posted by zunie75

Things obviously aren't working in Washington anymore. Maybe its the 3 coaches he's had in a short period of time, maybe its the switching from LW to RW every game. .

Gotta think the above has more merit than simply saying he has lost his desire and skills. In addition, each and every one of the core players in Washington have taken dramatic steps back in production. Pre-concussion Mike Green was in Norris talks. Nik Backstrom was a top 5 center in the league. Semin, while sporadic, was a deadly talent.

Also, with all the big paydays hitting the Caps could not afford to ice the same quality of support players that help to make all their stars look that much better. Same thing happened when the Hawks had to jettison so much of their support players. Washington needs to develop the next wave of guys that can help ease the load and make thier top guys elite again.

Except for Green. That dude is the VHS cassette of the NHL.

[Roof-Daddy]

GMGM should be looking to find Ovy a new home before July 1st 2014.....before his options become much more limited, and Ovy's value drops even more.

His best bet would be to give ole Sather a call. He seems to like having MASSIVE contracts on his payroll.

15% of next years cap. Yikes.

[GrrlGoalie33]

Originally Posted by Jason14h

I think he has just lost a step, and his old moves don't generate the same space they use to. It's hard for a guy who has always dominated to learn a new style.

Anytime a player looses a step it is because he "doesn't care." What if it's just "He isn't 24 anymore!"

Martin Brodeur says Hi! Elite players that want to remain elite will find a way to remain at the top. When they don't want to anymore, or they can't, they either accept new roles or retire.

[Mean Mr. Mustard]

Originally Posted by Frankster

Martin Brodeur says Hi! Elite players that want to remain elite will find a way to remain at the top. When they don't want to anymore, or they can't, they either accept new roles or retire.

Goaltenders are able to remain elite for longer periods of time because a lot of their game is based upon positioning and coordination which don't really deteriorate with age. A dominant forward such as Ovechkin has a game built upon pure skills and brute force, he started to get a bit banged up, didn't want to go into the tough areas and his production fell.

[GrrlGoalie33]

Martin Brodeur has been able to remain relevant because he has adopted his style to suit the ever-changing NHL. I would argue many pure butterfly goalies won't be able to have long careers because of the excess strain on their knees and hips.

My point about elite players that want to remain elite still stands. If Ovie isn't going into the dirty areas anymore, he is choosing not to stay elite. Martin St. Louis is 37 and is in the top 10 in league scoring right now. I know Jagr left the NHL for a few seasons, but even at 40, last year he managed to put up over 50 points.

If Ovechkin wanted to find a way to still be an elite player, he would.