Player Discussion Alexander Ovechkin (Vol. 4)
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PlushMinus
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- Nov 18, 2021
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He's not currently dangerous enough to do damage in a regular season game.
And this team is no way guaranteed to make the playoffs (but I think they might sneak in but long way to go this season).
I think they should scratch him for a game. He continues to get the most ice time (yes including PP) and that is absurd.
And this team is no way guaranteed to make the playoffs (but I think they might sneak in but long way to go this season).
I think they should scratch him for a game. He continues to get the most ice time (yes including PP) and that is absurd.
BallardEra
Leafs&Caps Since 1982™
Nic Dowd has 4 goals in 16 games and Ovechkin has 5 in 25 games.
He'll be lucky to hit 20-25 goals this season.
He'll be lucky to hit 20-25 goals this season.
zappa4ever
Music is the Best!
blah blah blah, Ovechkin has been playing fine, the goals will come
TheSmokingMan
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Yes he put together a nice game against NYR. The whole team has played much better the last 2 games in a row, because they are executing the system. The forecheck has looked a lot better and generating more offensive zone time. I've also noticed the forwards getting to the front of the net a lot more. Additionally, the passes have been connecting through the neutral zone and not getting turned over, reducing the number of odd-man rushes against. We've even seen some different looks on the PP which is refreshing.
trick9
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- Jun 2, 2013
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Yes, it's absurd that teams top scorer gets the most ice-time. Just absurd.
It's not at all absurd to suggest scratching the teams top scorer. Because why shouldn't we be like the Blue Jackets?
PlushMinus
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It's patently obvious something is wrong with him. Injury, age, or maybe his heart / head isn't where it needs to be. The only people who think otherwise are in denial. Maybe he's in denial as well. It would make more sense for him to be because of pride and being an elite competitor.
I thought he had a pretty good game against the Rangers - probably his best game in a while. But this one after travelling and a back to back against the Hawks? Not so much. So that's fatigure or frustration / mental disconnect maybe? Who knows.
I don't think it's sacrilege to suggest reducing his ice time by 2 minutes a game, or giving him a game off here and there to rest up (obviously me using the word scratch was triggering, lol). They - probably because he is demanding it himself - are trying to force the goals by playing 1st line minutes and continuing to be out for every single minute of PP time. Wouldn't hurt to play 1:30 instead of 2 minutes, would it?
I know it's a polarizing subject around here and there is a view that some of us are putting the boot in and shitting on him. I'm definitely not doing that: I just think some time management could be beneficial - but like every other person here, I don't know what is actually ailing him. So it might not make any difference at all.
trick9
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It's entirely different conversation to talk about reducing his minutes on a back-to-back nights than suggesting to scratch him entirely. One sends a headline message all across the league.
He's not as good as he was last season, father time hits everyone. I'm not in denial, and why would i be? He's 39.
My point entirely was that does scratching him make this team better? It's obvious they are still trying to make the Playoffs, so every point matters and they want to dress their best, if possible. Regressed Ovechkin or not, this team is not better without him, even at this current stage. No matter how high you are on Matthew Phillips or whoever would have otherwise sat on the nacho duty that night.
Acallabeth
Post approved by Ovechkin
It's not sacrilege, it just doesn't make sense. If a somewhat struggling 38-year-old leads the team in points, giving his ice time (which isn't egregious, it's less than 20 minutes a game) to some other player probably won't solve the team's problems.
From the several gamed I watched this season, Ovechkin looks roughly the same he did the last several years. I haven't noticed much change in his effort or ability (it's possible I happened to watch his better games, but I really doubt it). What was obvious though is that he was not involved into the play as much as the recent years (not meaning he didn't care, but meaning he didn't recieve as many passes). Maybe it's the consequence of learning the new system. It also seems that the overall quality of passes on the team has deteriorated after the core's decline.
BallardEra
Leafs&Caps Since 1982™
Ehhh F*** him and his dog
BallardEra
Leafs&Caps Since 1982™
PlushMinus
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At 4:50 the guy says "the whole systen in Washington is built around Ovie getting that record".
Sigh - these talking heads don't watch the games, do they?
WingsFan95
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Ovechkin has scored 40+ goals or at that pace in shortened seasons EXCEPT for, wait for it:
6th, 7th and 12th season in the league. He's in season #19. Even if the team wasn't lacking in a number of areas, streaks/runs DO happen.
I mean, I get it, but age 39 and 40 is not a guarantee that he'll do WORSE. Selanne is just one precedent of a guy who upgraded his totals in some later seasons.
So let's just say he finishes this year at say 19 total. That doesn't mean he can't hit 30+ the following year even at age 39 just given his sample size.
6th, 7th and 12th season in the league. He's in season #19. Even if the team wasn't lacking in a number of areas, streaks/runs DO happen.
I mean, I get it, but age 39 and 40 is not a guarantee that he'll do WORSE. Selanne is just one precedent of a guy who upgraded his totals in some later seasons.
So let's just say he finishes this year at say 19 total. That doesn't mean he can't hit 30+ the following year even at age 39 just given his sample size.
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I kinda think if you change "is built" to "was built", he has that right. I think that was the focus of Ted and his minions coming into the season, with BMac leading the guerilla effort to move the team forward. But I think Carbs has done such a masterful, jujitsu job of laying bare the holdover core's fatal defects, and then moving on from them piece by piece and bringing this team's style of play into the 2020s that that statement is no longer right.
Ovie is the last piece, and we're getting to the adapt or fossilize phase. He ain't dead yet, but we're not seeing the signs of adaptation either - though sometimes change is taking place below the surface even when it's not apparent when looking at a person's day-to-day output. It would be awesome - and really pretty inspiring - if that's what is happening to Ovie.
Ovie's Neighbor
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- Jan 23, 2007
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I love the optimism. But what scares me is that he isn’t even really generating chances. In the past when he had these cold streaks he would still have opportunities, they just wouldn’t go in. He hasn’t had more than 5 shots on goal since October and most games he only has 2 or 3. He has never looked this slow and invisible and it’s hard to imagine this would get better. Only way is if he really spends the off-season entirely revamping his conditioning and nutrition plan.
CapitalsCupReality
It’s Go Time!!
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Come on….he knows the record will be hard to achieve in ANY way….
….but the possibility of him walking away, at some point, say after this season, if (let’s pretend) he feels like he doesn’t have it any more.…seems more real daily…
I have a hard time believing he would carry on like Dave Andreychuk and just hang on…hoping to score 15-20g and 50 pts a year….
I have a feeling Ovi likes hockey so much he'll play until he is no longer allowed to. With his build, strength and smarts he could go the Andreychuk route for sure.
CapitalsCupReality
It’s Go Time!!
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Gods I hope so….feels like he could have physically adapted a few years ago….now it feels like there’s no turning back….like I don’t see him suddenly cutting 15lbs and being agile again….would be amazing if he could do that….just needs to score a few and see if he can heat up….
Fred22406Capsfan
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Isn't scoring, can't puck handle, can't defend, doesn't move on offense. Anyone else would be benched/waived. I'd love to see him hit the record but I'd rather see Stanley Cup #2, #3, etc in Washington. He's an anchor at this point and not in a good way 
You forgot: "Leads the team in assists & points".Isn't scoring, can't puck handle, can't defend, doesn't move on offense. Anyone else would be benched/waived. I'd love to see him hit the record but I'd rather see Stanley Cup #2, #3, etc in Washington. He's an anchor at this point and not in a good way
No i think this Ovi is what we'll see. The extra lbs protect against injury at least. But yeah, im with you.
PlushMinus
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I don't think keeping Ovie around is preventing the Caps from winning another Cup.Isn't scoring, can't puck handle, can't defend, doesn't move on offense. Anyone else would be benched/waived. I'd love to see him hit the record but I'd rather see Stanley Cup #2, #3, etc in Washington. He's an anchor at this point and not in a good way
I know you mean "as time goes on" but I don't think there's any possibility they can do a rapid rebuild and be a contender. And let's not forget goal scoring dries up in the playoffs, so our team is pretty much screwed
Fred22406Capsfan
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I think it's all of it together. He's a family man now and probably feeling it with the body but won't admit it. He's had a lot hit him in the past several years and the endless questions about the records add up. Kind of annoying every press conference they mention it. I don't think anyone is saying you're dumping on Ovy. I don't believe anyone is. He's in a situation we all face at his age, especially someone with a history of physical sports, hard labor, or a military career. The key thing for him to do is adapt and accept some changes like with PP time or slots. If he does that, then folks will complain about his contract. Nobody will ever be satisfied. It's the sad reality of professional sports.
