Clearing The Puck

As we await the beginning of the "Dream Series" between the Caps and the Pens (or is it between Ovechkin and Crosby?), it's a good time to step back from the media lunacy and the endless comparisons between these players to take stock of what is important here. This is obviously a marketing dream for the NHL to have these teams playing each other, and it allows the pundits (especially morons like Burnside) to wax poetic about the greatness of these players. However, the fact remains that Crosby isn't even the most valuable player on his team and is not a nominee for the Hart. Many have been saying that Ovechkin and Crosby are two very different players and that you can't compare them. While it's true that they don't play a similar style, it's not unfair to compare them. Nor is it unfair to compare Ovechkin with Malkin. I think most unbiased observers would agree that nobody in the sport can take control of the game like Ovechkin. Crosby and Malkin have great hockey sense. They both make great plays with the puck and complement each other quite well. Crosby's reputation takes a hit as a result of his hostory and reputation for both diving and whining. Malkin's reputation takes a hit because of his complete lack of public persona. Ovechkin, on the other hand, has it all. He is dazzling on the ice because he is loaded with skill and still manages to entertain. You know when he has the puck. You can feel it throughout the arena. It's the kind of electricity few people in sports can generate. He can score like nobody else, and he still plays a physical game. It's not just the highlight reel-goals. It's not just the youthful, contagious enthusiasm, it's not just the electricity he generates every time he's on the ice. It's all of it combined. The League may want to make Crosby the poster boy for the League. However, if you want to get a neophyte hooked on hockey, just show him or her an Ovechkin complilation. That person's jaw will drop. Ovechkin dazzles both the hard-core hockey fan as well as the newbie. He's the total package, and that is what makes him the MVP. Game on.