Ovechkin isn't for the big ice?

[Kshahdoo]

As great as he is in the NHL, he almost always underperforms at international tournaments. Look at this WHC, Telegin, a glorified 4th liner even by the KHL standarts, has already scored 2 points. And the greatest NHL goal scorer of all times has zero points after 3 games.

The only reason of this, as I understand, is the ice size. He shoots a lot, he just can't score. Different angles, probably, or I don't know...

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[Thedogo]

I dont think it's that considering he grew up on ice that size. Maybe he's not used to it.

 

[ViD]

Well, he was dominating the big ice in junior. I think he’s not used to the role of “one of the” and not the main guy he’s at Caps. Plus he’s not being set up as smooth as in Washington on PP

 

[Elvs]

Drawing conclusions like these are pointless. It's been three games. Ovechkin can go pointless in three NHL games too and Sam Gagner can score eight points in just one game. He just looks disinterested imo. He's dominated in WHC games before when he's wearing his heart on his sleeve. Gotta start moving his legs and throwing his body around. Right now he's floating too much.

 

[Tomas W]

He need to drive to the net more, and not end up at the boards

 

[Artorius Horus T]

His role has been surprisingly small, yes?.

 

[Atas2000]

As great as he is in the NHL, he almost always underperforms at international tournaments. Look at this WHC, Telegin, a glorified 4th liner even by the KHL standarts, has already scored 2 points. And the greatest NHL goal scorer of all times has zero points after 3 games.

The only reason of this, as I understand, is the ice size. He shoots a lot, he just can't score. Different angles, probably, or I don't know...

Just stop. I whitnessed Ovechkin do his thing on the big ice on so many ocasions that your claim is just plain haterism.

 

[Garl]

As great as he is in the NHL, he almost always underperforms at international tournaments. Look at this WHC, Telegin, a glorified 4th liner even by the KHL standarts, has already scored 2 points. And the greatest NHL goal scorer of all times has zero points after 3 games.

The only reason of this, as I understand, is the ice size. He shoots a lot, he just can't score. Different angles, probably, or I don't know...

He played half a season in KHL rather recently

 

[Hzzz]

I think Ovechkin was the best player of the 2014 WHC before he got injured, after that Tikhonov took over. But I somewhat agree with OP, Ovechkin was also terrible in the 2016 WHC.

Maybe they need to give him a new role when he plays for team Russia on international ice. Make him a 3rd/4th liner + PP specialist. Let him play with players like Plotnikov, Andronov and Telegin at even strength.

 

[TheGoldenJet]

Ovechkin often underperforms internationally.

 

[tony d]

You'd think a player like Ovie would perform well wherever. Be interesting to see if he can get it together as the tourney goes on.

 

[Sam Spade]

I thought he looked good yesterday.

 

[Uncle Scrooge]

Young Ovechkin in WHC was dominant, he'd rush the puck up himself and make something happen.

But back then he tried to do it all himself a bit too much. Russia would face teams that played better as a team and lose. He still had a few tournaments with PPG+.

These days the team culture is better but Ovechkin is getting old, i think he's there just because he feels like it's an obligation to go, not because he's excited about the WHC.

Also he's a stanley cup champ now with 3 WHC gold medals. I think his interest in the tournament is at all-time low.

He's probably going to wake up as the tournament goes deeper and get excited for the games.

 

[Retroglyphs]

ppl really need to show some patience with ovi. wait until he starts scoring exciting goals, as this tournament enters the hot phase.

 

[eviohh26]

Russia sucks on the big stage. Other than Datsyuk they always been disappointing.