Best player in the world: 2018

[wetcoast]

It's not insane at all.

Crosby is an all-time great player and it's based almost 100% on his actual offensive contributions.

There is no need to lie and claim he contributes a lot defensively. He doesn't and never has.

There is also no need to pretend he played more games or that he was somehow great in the 2016 playoffs, or that his 2014 season was anything other than an off year for the top players in the league.

There is also no need to minimize Malkin in order to pretend Crosby carried the team, yet that is obviously happening with a degree of regularity.

So yeah, I bash those ideas, but none of those ideas are coming from Sid. They're coming from overzealous fans. So this idea that I am bashing Crosby represents fundamental confusion.

Crosby has widened the overall gap by 5 points so far this season and leads 1516 to 1494 just sit back and enjoy the gap being widened even more.

 

[Midnight Judges]

Crosby has widened the overall gap by 5 points so far this season and leads 1516 to 1494 just sit back and enjoy the gap being widened even more.

Ovechkin has nearly 50% more goals in the same number of seasons.

This easily swallows up whatever secondary assist gap you are putting a huge amount stock in.

 

[wetcoast]

Ovechkin has nearly 50% more goals in the same number of seasons.

This easily swallows up whatever secondary assist gap you are putting a huge amount stock in.

Yes the argument will begin and end with goals for you sir but at some point the overwhelming 2 way play, winning and continuous prime will be too obvious for all except for the goals crowd.

 

[GreatGonzo]

Yes the argument will begin and end with goals for you sir but at some point the overwhelming 2 way play, winning and continuous prime will be too obvious for all except for the goals crowd.

What “overwhelming two way play” are you referring to? Crosby isn’t a two way player. Just because he went from below average to defensively responsible in some areas doesn’t make him a two way threat. That term gets tossed around way to much.

 

[wetcoast]

What “overwhelming two way play” are you referring to? Crosby isn’t a two way player. Just because he went from below average to defensively responsible in some areas doesn’t make him a two way threat. That term gets tossed around way to much.

Compared to Ovechkin his resume has the overwhelming better

-2 way play
-winning
-consecutive prime

that's the context and the stats back it up.

 

[GreatGonzo]

Compared to Ovechkin his resume has the overwhelming better

-2 way play
-winning
-consecutive prime

that's the context and the stats back it up.

Being better than Ovechkin defensively isn’t as much of a plus as you think.

“Winning.” Ovechkin has a trophy case that rivals the all time greats. How does that not qualify as being a winner?

 

[Nathaniel Skywalker]

Ovechkin has nearly 50% more goals in the same number of seasons.

This easily swallows up whatever secondary assist gap you are putting a huge amount stock in.

Ovechkin has played in over 150 more games and has 22 less points. Give it a rest

 

[McFlash97]

The fact that anyone is voting someone other than McDavid shows the amount of envy other fans have of him.

 

[wetcoast]

Being better than Ovechkin defensively isn’t as much of a plus as you think.

“Winning.” Ovechkin has a trophy case that rivals the all time greats. How does that not qualify as being a winner?

I'm not a trophy or cup counter the thing for me is continuous prime and that's the big difference between the 2 guys and Ovi has really become more of a specialist shooter while Crosby has the better overall game and has produced more overall and that gap is going to widen as time goes on.

If one looks at great regular seasons and playoff years from top to bottom that's where Crosby simply beats Ovi.

 

[geebster]

This will probably be McDavid every year.

 

[Dulind]

Ovechkin

For his age group - I agree.

 

[Beau Knows]

The fact that anyone is voting someone other than McDavid shows the amount of envy other fans have of him.

None of these polls have been unanimous, and at 69% this was one of the higher margins of victory.

 

[GreatGonzo]

I'm not a trophy or cup counter the thing for me is continuous prime and that's the big difference between the 2 guys and Ovi has really become more of a specialist shooter while Crosby has the better overall game and has produced more overall and that gap is going to widen as time goes on.

If one looks at great regular seasons and playoff years from top to bottom that's where Crosby simply beats Ovi.

I don’t disagree but to say Crosby is a “winner” and Ovechkin isn’t doesn’t make any sense. That’s why I brought up his trophy case, how else does one determine a winner?

Ovechkin still has a great playoff resume, Crosby can be better but that doesn’t require the idea that Ovechkin isn’t one of the best. He still has a cup and smythe.

You have to make Ovechkin less to prop up Crosby and that’s where it becomes ridiculous

 

[wetcoast]

I don’t disagree but to say Crosby is a “winner” and Ovechkin isn’t doesn’t make any sense. That’s why I brought up his trophy case, how else does one determine a winner?

Ovi seems more like the guy interested in his own personal trophy case more than Crosby so to me he has more of a winner mentality like he decided to become better at scoring more goals and then won a Richard and has worked very hard on becoming a great faceoff guy.

Ovi has morphed into a shoot first guy after his peak and his all around play has been meh for years.

In fact one year in the mid 2010s he was last in open ice puck possession battles in the NHL.

To me that's a difference worth noting.

Ovechkin still has a great playoff resume, Crosby can be better but that doesn’t require the idea that Ovechkin isn’t one of the best. He still has a cup and smythe.

You have to make Ovechkin less to prop up Crosby and that’s where it becomes ridiculous

I don't make Ovechkin less than Crosby, Ovi is less than Crosby because his individual playoff resume is less, I'm just observing what I see.

201 is simply greater than 141 heck even in goals Ovi only has one more than Sid's 71 goals and don't go off down a pace tangent as MJ will have nothing to do with that right?

 

[GreatGonzo]

Ovi seems more like the guy interested in his own personal trophy case more than Crosby so to me he has more of a winner mentality like he decided to become better at scoring more goals and then won a Richard and has worked very hard on becoming a great faceoff guy.

Ovi has morphed into a shoot first guy after his peak and his all around play has been meh for years.

In fact one year in the mid 2010s he was last in open ice puck possession battles in the NHL.

To me that's a difference worth noting.



I don't make Ovechkin less than Crosby, Ovi is less than Crosby because his individual playoff resume is less, I'm just observing what I see.

201 is simply greater than 141 heck even in goals Ovi only has one more than Sid's 71 goals and don't go off down a pace tangent as MJ will have nothing to do with that right?

Well that’s just your opinion and preference, doesn’t mean Ovechkin is selfish. That’s just a bad take on your part. He has always done what he does well, and has succeeded to the point of being arguably the greatest goal scorer ever. That has helped won the Capitals their very first cup….how that’s selfish, im not sure.

You can prefer crosbys game, that’s fine. He has been more consistent and for longer. It’s the “Ovechkin only cares about himself” narrative that is nonsense. That’s just you throwing shade because you prefer Crosby and it isn’t necessary.

Saying “Ovechkin cares about his own trophy case” is making him less. Again, his is playoff resume as good as Crosby? No, but it’s still phenomenal.

 

[wetcoast]

Well that’s just your opinion and preference, doesn’t mean Ovechkin is selfish.

why would it make anyone selfish as I never stated that?

That’s just a bad take on your part. He has always done what he does well, and has succeeded to the point of being arguably the greatest goal scorer ever. That has helped won the Capitals their very first cup….how that’s selfish, im not sure.

You really need to stop saying selfish as that was enver stated by me.

The fact of the matter is that Crosby did make concerted efforts to improve goal scoring then won a Richard and then did so with face-offs as wellright?

You can prefer crosbys game, that’s fine. He has been more consistent and for longer. It’s the “Ovechkin only cares about himself” narrative that is nonsense. That’s just you throwing shade because you prefer Crosby and it isn’t necessary.

It's not Crosby's game this applies to pretty much all players, I prefer the more multi dimensional player to the goal scorers as those types of players typically have more impact on the game over time..

Saying “Ovechkin cares about his own trophy case” is making him less.

Where exactly have you been the last 10 years where Ovi has simply kept shooting away and funny that you won't counter the loose puck battles either as one can plainly see that Ovi really focuses on goal scoring above all else for the last little while.

Again, his is playoff resume as good as Crosby? No, but it’s still phenomenal.

But there is a noticeable difference on a scale of say 1-100 and Crosby has 100 since the lockout, Ovi has like a 90.

 

[GreatGonzo]

why would it make anyone selfish as I never stated that?

You really need to stop saying selfish as that was enver stated by me.

The fact of the matter is that Crosby did make concerted efforts to improve goal scoring then won a Richard and then did so with face-offs as wellright?


It's not Crosby's game this applies to pretty much all players, I prefer the more multi dimensional player to the goal scorers as those types of players typically have more impact on the game over time..


Where exactly have you been the last 10 years where Ovi has simply kept shooting away and funny that you won't counter the loose puck battles either as one can plainly see that Ovi really focuses on goal scoring above all else for the last little while.



But there is a noticeable difference on a scale of say 1-100 and Crosby has 100 since the lockout, Ovi has like a 90.

How is “he seems to be more interested in his own trophy case”, not saying he’s selfish? What would you call that?

Good for Crosby, Ovechkin is still the better goal scorer. Can’t really argue with that.

That’s your opinion. Ovechkins game has clearly had a positive affect for the Caps. Doesn’t mean Crosby isn’t the better overall player, but Ovechkins value is clear. No need to belittle it just to prop up Crosby, once again.

Again, Crosby may be the better player in the post season…doesn’t mean Ovechkin isn’t a great post season performer.

 

[wetcoast]

How is “he seems to be more interested in his own trophy case”, not saying he’s selfish? What would you call that?

I'm not calling it anything, I'm pointing out the hockey difference in the 2 things Crosby was on a mission to improve on.

Good for Crosby, Ovechkin is still the better goal scorer. Can’t really argue with that.

I don't recall anyone ever seriously arguing this.

That’s your opinion. Ovechkins game has clearly had a positive affect for the Caps. Doesn’t mean Crosby isn’t the better overall player, but Ovechkins value is clear. No need to belittle it just to prop up Crosby, once again.

Well if by pointing out the differences and commenting on what my eyes see and the stats back up what is one suppsoed to say on a hockey foruam about it.

Both are swell guys but I prefer Crosby...and then when someone points out the obvious ie that Ovi is the better goal scorer then I can counter why are you picking on Crosby he is a fine goal scorer....?

Again, Crosby may be the better player in the post season…doesn’t mean Ovechkin isn’t a great post season performer.

Again no disagreeing here Crosby is the better playoff performer and Ovechkin is pretty good too but not at the same level.

I apologize in advance for anything thinking I'm picking on Ovi here but seriously why can't we state opinions and facts without others trying to conflate or distort what one is saying.

 

[GreatGonzo]

I'm not calling it anything, I'm pointing out the hockey difference in the 2 things Crosby was on a mission to improve on.



I don't recall anyone ever seriously arguing this.



Well if by pointing out the differences and commenting on what my eyes see and the stats back up what is one suppsoed to say on a hockey foruam about it.

Both are swell guys but I prefer Crosby...and then when someone points out the obvious ie that Ovi is the better goal scorer then I can counter why are you picking on Crosby he is a fine goal scorer....?


Again no disagreeing here Crosby is the better playoff performer and Ovechkin is pretty good too but not at the same level.

I apologize in advance for anything thinking I'm picking on Ovi here but seriously why can't we state opinions and facts without others trying to conflate or distort what one is saying.

can you prove Ovechkin is more interested In his own trophy case? Since you make it sound like it’s a fact, and not just your opinion.

You mentioned Crosbys goal scoring titles when he actually tries to score goals, I figured that was supposed to be a jab at Ovechkin for some reason.

To be fair, I feel like most of your comments are jabs at Ovechkin. Crosby can be better at this/that…he can be the better overall player, but that still doesn’t make Ovechkin less of anything.

Ovechkin will most likely go down as THE greatest goal scorer ever. That deserves more respect than you are giving it.

 

[Midnight Judges]

I'm not a trophy or cup counter the thing for me is continuous prime and that's the big difference between the 2 guys and Ovi has really become more of a specialist shooter while Crosby has the better overall game and has produced more overall and that gap is going to widen as time goes on.

That is pure history revision.

In the past 6 seasons they're within 30 points of each other but Ovechkin has nearly 100 more goals.

NHL Stats

The official source for NHL Stats including skaters, goalies, teams stats and more.

www.nhl.com

Your opinions are built upon a foundation of blatant falsehoods.

 

[wetcoast]

That is pure history revision.

In the past 6 seasons they're within 30 points of each other but Ovechkin has nearly 100 more goals.

NHL Stats

The official source for NHL Stats including skaters, goalies, teams stats and more.

www.nhl.com

Your opinions are built upon a foundation of blatant falsehoods.

The ironic thing is that you posted supporting my assertion for the last 6 seasons.

I said that Ovi had become more of a shooter and that checks out.

Crosby was the better overall all around player.

that checks out more points in less games plays a better overall game that checks out more Selke votes and more Hart votes as well.

Let's break it down shall we since you brought up last 6 seasons.

Crosby 421-175-313-490 1.16 PPG 1249 SOG 14.0 shooting %

Ovi 439-268-193-461 1.05 PPG 1867 SOG 14.4% shooting %

then let's look back to what you quoted me saying

I'm not a trophy or cup counter the thing for me is continuous prime and that's the big difference between the 2 guys and Ovi has really become more of a specialist shooter while Crosby has the better overall game and has produced more overall and that gap is going to widen as time goes on.

Ovi is more of a shooter, well that checks out 1867-1249.
Crosby has the better overall game and has produced more 1.116 PPG to 1.05 490 points to 461 in 18 less games.

Selke voting results

Ovi none
Crosby 4,9,12,14,34

Hart voting

Crosby 2,4,17,18
Ovi 7,9,10,13

So where exactly is this revisionist history you are talking about?

I concluded that Crosby would widen the gap and this is where they are for the year so far.

Crosby 13-7-8-15
Ovi 13-7-4-11

So sure revisionist history whatever.

 

[Midnight Judges]

The ironic thing is that you posted supporting my assertion for the last 6 seasons.

If you think anything I said supports your falsehoods then you are not comprehending what I am saying.

A 30 point difference across 6 seasons is negligible.

A 93 goal difference across 6 seasons is quite large.

 

[wetcoast]

If you think anything I said supports your falsehoods then you are not comprehending what I am saying.

A 30 point difference across 6 seasons is negligible.

A 93 goal difference across 6 seasons is quite large.

No you supported exactly what I quoted and I stand by what I said and funny that the stats back it up eh?

You also conveniently left out the 7th season where Ovi had a 82-33-36-69 line and Crosby won the Richard with the line of 75-44-45-89 but that's par for the course for you and then claim that others are being revisionist is amusing at best.