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Guest4178
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 Posted - 04/12/2010 : 12:53:08
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Ovechkin's suspension was discussed a lot this earlier this hockey season, and many people thought that his "time" did not fit the "crime." At the time, his punishment may not have seemed too severe, but it may have cost him four NHL awards.
With the games missed due to his suspension, one could argue that he would have registered an extra goal or two by playing those games, one which would have tied him for the Rocket Richard Trophy, and throw in a few assists, and he picks up he Art Ross Trophy. In close races for the Hart and Pearson, the nod often go to the goal scoring and points champion, so it's possible that he will lose the votes to win those awards too. That's four major awards which could have been his, and the difference could be his 2-game suspension!
One could argue that his missed games due to injury also merit a factor (which is true), but you can't do much about missing games due to an injury. But when you're suspended for a dirty play on the ice, that can be a regrettable situation. I wonder if Ovie has any regrets?
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impropriety
Top Prospect
Canada
78 Posts |
Posted - 04/12/2010 : 13:03:25
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If frogs had wings they wouldn't bump their butts when they hop.
Ovechkin, despite his scoring prowess, has a particular style of play. He plays with a lot of passion, and that gets him in trouble sometimes. The number of awards he gets doesn't affect the team at all, but it might serve as personal motivation to start making the connection between playing on the edge and not playing at all. |
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nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 04/12/2010 : 15:12:16
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...or maybe in one of those games he takes a knee-on-knee hit and is out for the season.
If ifs and buts were candy and nuts, every day would be Christmas.
Ovie doesn't strike me as the type of player that has regrets. Even when he's injuring people he doesn't have regrets. |
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Guest4178
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Posted - 04/12/2010 : 15:45:47
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"If ifs and buts were candy and nuts, every day would be Christmas."
Well it must be Christmas every day on this hockey forum! :)
This is my first time on this forum (which has great dialogue by the way), and there appears to be a lot of comments with "ifs," "buts," "coulda," "woulda," shouldas" on it, like Impropriety's earlier comment about the Oilers: "Interesting thing to note is that they could have bought an entire 3rd line for what they're paying Mr. Horcoff."
Getting back to Ovechkin, I bet he does have regrets. Most top-notch players want to win awards. Look at what Vancouver did for Henrik Sedin. Sedin definitely wanted to win the Art Ross Trophy, and his teammates (and coaching staff) helped make this possible. Nothing wrong with that, except what if (sorry about the IF) he was injured in trying to do so? |
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Guest4178
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Posted - 04/12/2010 : 15:56:31
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| Just so I'm clear, it was a nothing game for Vancouver, so it would have made more sense to rest or sit a few of their key players. There was no way Henrik Sedin was going to rest though (and I understand that), but if he was injured playing a nothing game, and ended up missing the playoffs, there would be a lot of disappointed Canucks fans! |
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Hugh G. Rection
Rookie
165 Posts |
Posted - 04/12/2010 : 17:19:16
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Ovechkin recently said himself that although he enjoys the personal awards, he places a much larger emphasis on winning cups. I'm pretty sure he won't lose sleep over winning award(s) he has already won multiple times before.
If you watched Washington's final game against Boston, you'd see Ovechkin sitting for large amounts in the 2nd/ 3rd periods (excluding power plays), and he was even trying to set up teammates rather than take open shots. Why? He didn't care about the game, was happy to take the extra rest and focus on the playoffs.
This is in stark contrast to Crosby and Hank Sedin, who were focussed purely on stat-padding against non-playoff opponents who couldn't wait to get on the golf course. (Stamkos could be added here too, except he plays for a non-playoff team so it's a little more normal). In both Crosby and Sedin's case, they were going after awards they hadn't won before, so it's fairly natural. Although if they had gotten hurt I doubt Van or Penguins fans would appreciate it all that much, |
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 04/12/2010 : 18:19:58
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Ovechkin could care less this year, and it shows.
He is a man on a mission to win it all, and he knows how short the window is, and for Washington, it's wide open. He did not play a full game really and was clearly taking it easier than usual.
Can't wait to watch Montreal get destroyed . . . as a Leaf fan, this is my playoffs - watching the dismantling of a Habs team by the the Washington juggernaut.
Meh, it's all I have right now 
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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redneck76ca
Rookie
186 Posts |
Posted - 04/12/2010 : 18:33:38
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quote:
Originally posted by slozo
Ovechkin could care less this year, and it shows.
He is a man on a mission to win it all, and he knows how short the window is, and for Washington, it's wide open. He did not play a full game really and was clearly taking it easier than usual.
Can't wait to watch Montreal get destroyed . . . as a Leaf fan, this is my playoffs - watching the dismantling of a Habs team by the the Washington juggernaut.
Meh, it's all I have right now
I know the playoffs are another thing entirely but Habs took the season series 2-1-1. I think that this might be a lot closer than many people think. I know Theodore played ok down the stretch but he's still not the keeper you want for a plaoff run.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
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FLYING -V
Top Prospect
69 Posts |
Posted - 04/12/2010 : 18:51:26
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quote:
Originally posted by Hugh G. Rection
Ovechkin recently said himself that although he enjoys the personal awards, he places a much larger emphasis on winning cups. I'm pretty sure he won't lose sleep over winning award(s) he has already won multiple times before.
If you watched Washington's final game against Boston, you'd see Ovechkin sitting for large amounts in the 2nd/ 3rd periods (excluding power plays), and he was even trying to set up teammates rather than take open shots. Why? He didn't care about the game, was happy to take the extra rest and focus on the playoffs.
This is in stark contrast to Crosby and Hank Sedin, who were focussed purely on stat-padding against non-playoff opponents who couldn't wait to get on the golf course. (Stamkos could be added here too, except he plays for a non-playoff team so it's a little more normal). In both Crosby and Sedin's case, they were going after awards they hadn't won before, so it's fairly natural. Although if they had gotten hurt I doubt Van or Penguins fans would appreciate it all that much,
Did you watch the game? If so, you probably would have noticed Ovechkin had just over 25 minutes of ice time. Thats more than Crosby or Sedin played in their final games. He must have played quite a lot in the first period... |
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Statman
Rookie
Canada
125 Posts |
Posted - 04/12/2010 : 20:58:10
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I watched that final game Ovie played and I can tell you the fact was that he was trying his butt off to get goals and points. Unlike with Vancouver, however, the rest of the team didn't seem to be in on it so he had to play it more like a standard game. He only had the ice time cut back after it started to become clear it wasn't gonna happen.
But much more importantly, to answer Impropriety as to "If frogs had wings they wouldn't bump their butts when they hop", remember they still have to land! |
Edited by - Statman on 04/12/2010 20:58:52 |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 04/12/2010 : 23:40:58
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quote:
Originally posted by Hugh G. Rection
Ovechkin recently said himself that although he enjoys the personal awards, he places a much larger emphasis on winning cups. I'm pretty sure he won't lose sleep over winning award(s) he has already won multiple times before.
If you watched Washington's final game against Boston, you'd see Ovechkin sitting for large amounts in the 2nd/ 3rd periods (excluding power plays), and he was even trying to set up teammates rather than take open shots. Why? He didn't care about the game, was happy to take the extra rest and focus on the playoffs.
This is in stark contrast to Crosby and Hank Sedin, who were focussed purely on stat-padding against non-playoff opponents who couldn't wait to get on the golf course. (Stamkos could be added here too, except he plays for a non-playoff team so it's a little more normal). In both Crosby and Sedin's case, they were going after awards they hadn't won before, so it's fairly natural. Although if they had gotten hurt I doubt Van or Penguins fans would appreciate it all that much,
Lol, sorry Hugh, but that just sounds to me like sour grapes from an Ovie loving fan. Maybe i'm wrong and you're not one of the many Ovie lovers on here but with a post like that, it would certainly seem like it!
Ovie played nearly 26 mins which, for the record, amounts to more than 4 mins more than his average for the year! Take out the 2:48 of OT and he's still above his average! Sure he played more in the 1st, but as Statman pointed out, he only played less once it was realized he was unlikely to get the points he needed! BTW, he played 0 mins of PP time in the 3rd and only 2 mins in the second.
Here's more for ya.....
Washington had several players vying for individual achievements. Semin collected his 40th goal of the season and 300th point of his career with a marker 2:23 into the first period.
Others were not as fortunate. Mike Green entered the day with 19 goals, but none of his 10 shots attempts beat Thomas. Mike Knuble netted his 29th of the season, but could not reach 30 for the third time in his career.
Alex Ovechkin began the final day of the regular season three points behind Vancouver's Henrik Sedin in the battle for the Art Ross trophy. He was also tied with Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos for the league lead in goals, but was held off the scoresheet. Ovechkin cannot win the Ross trophy for the second time and will have to wait and see if he claims a share of the Maurice "Rocket" Richard trophy.
Boudreau tried to help his players as much as he could. He moved Semin to the top line with Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom to see if they could recreate their magic from Friday night. After Knuble scored, Boudreau put him back with Ovechkin and Backstrom to help his bid for 30.
You do realize that even assists would have helped him win the Art Ross right? Clearly the coach wasn't sitting him until it was more or less outta reach! C'mon, if he really wanted some rest, why'd they even dress him? Someone mentioned earlier about how Canucks fans' would have been choked if Henrik had been seriously hurt in his quest for the Art Ross, well, what about the fans in Washington if Ovie had been hurt? Face it, they weren't resting him with those awards on the line! There's personal gratification, financial rewards, etc on the line and ANY player would go for it if they were that close!
You really shouldn't diminish the accomplishments of Crosby, Sedin, etc with comments like that. 
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Hugh G. Rection
Rookie
165 Posts |
Posted - 04/13/2010 : 08:42:33
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Before everyone jumps on me, realize that Boudreau came out after the game and said Ovechkin actually asked if he could have the game off to rest. Boudreau was the one throwing him out there. Ya the guy is going to play, but it was obvious he wasn't trying with anything close to his normal intensity to get points/assists/hits. 26 minutes, but a full four mins was PP and the game did go to overtime which obviously adds another couple minutes. It seemed Boudreau wanted him to win the awards, and he didn't.
I am not diminishing Crosby or Sedin's achievements, they just had softer, non-playoff opponents and took advantage because it's clear these particular personal awards meant more to them this season, that's all I was saying. |
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nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 04/13/2010 : 09:39:36
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quote:
This is in stark contrast to Crosby and Hank Sedin, who were focussed purely on stat-padding against non-playoff opponents who couldn't wait to get on the golf course.
I don't know about Crosby (didn't see the game), but I don't think Hank did anything different than usual on Saturday night - just another day at the office feathering beautiful no-look passes to his brother so he can put them in the net. 4 assists is one thing, but the real highlight of that game was Daniel's hat trick goal (youtube it, it was awesome). Calgary might not have been as into it as usual, but no one could have forseen that bad an outing by Kipper, he was shocking. |
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Guest6871
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Posted - 04/13/2010 : 09:47:22
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I guess if Boudreau said that, it must be true. Alex DID want to sit out but Boudreau wanted him to play, and have a chance to win the said awards.........
C'mon, you know that coaches will say things to manipulate the media, because the media falls for it like junkies....
Boudreau covering Alex's a** in case he DIDN'T win! |
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Guest6871
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Posted - 04/13/2010 : 09:49:10
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Sorry, because he didn't win.
He wanted it as much as Sidney and Hank! |
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Hugh G. Rection
Rookie
165 Posts |
Posted - 04/13/2010 : 11:12:14
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Ok... Boudreau is covering his player for 'what' reason? In case he didn't sweep every individual award... again... with 10 less games played than his competitors? Yes that would truly be devastating to Ovechkin. Oh wait no it wouldn't.
If his team loses in the playoffs again, THEN he will care. Washington pretty much has to win the East at a minimum to live up to expectations. |
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Guest6871
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Posted - 04/13/2010 : 11:17:05
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I guess you're right. Alex was not trying at all. He didn't even want these awards. Boudreau confirms it with is statement after the game. I hope you enjoy your "Hugh G. Rection" from being right. You are the end all of all hockey knowledge.
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Guest9494
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Posted - 04/13/2010 : 16:32:34
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quote:
Originally posted by Hugh G. Rection
Ok... Boudreau is covering his player for 'what' reason? In case he didn't sweep every individual award... again... with 10 less games played than his competitors? Yes that would truly be devastating to Ovechkin. Oh wait no it wouldn't.
If his team loses in the playoffs again, THEN he will care. Washington pretty much has to win the East at a minimum to live up to expectations.
wow so true he played 10 less games and almost won if anything I would feel ashamed the the race was that close for Ovechkin If I was the winner. Call me old fashioned I like winning stuff when the guy has the equal opportunitiy to play all his games regardless of injury. |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 04/13/2010 : 19:43:44
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quote:
Originally posted by Guest9494
wow so true he played 10 less games and almost won if anything I would feel ashamed the the race was that close for Ovechkin If I was the winner. Call me old fashioned I like winning stuff when the guy has the equal opportunitiy to play all his games regardless of injury.
Yup, and IF Daniel hadn't missed 19 games, Henrik MIGHT have had more points! Or IF Henrik played as much (TOI per game) as Ovie, he MIGHT have had more again! Or IF Henrik played as much PP time as Ovie, he MIGHT have had more points yet again!
Whatever, bottom line is, Ovie is too competetive a player to not want to try to win an award in that situation. Not saying anything bad about him whatsoever, but unfortunately he came up against one of the best defensive teams in the league, which, for the record, had as much or maybe less to play for than Calgary or NYI! Boston was in 6th and couldn't move up or down so really where was there motivation? Nice try though.... |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 04/13/2010 : 20:18:22
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I agree that Ovechkin is more motivated to winning than individual records, specifically after the Olympics. But I also agree that Ovechkin's toothy grin would have been pretty friggin big if he could have pulled out the personal awards as well.
I think it would have been a little easier if he would have been 3rd or 4th in both goals and points, but he missed the Goal scoring award that he should rightfully have every year by a single goal and the Art Ross by 3 points.
That being said, Ovechkin does play his way and that is not changing any time soon. Could he be looking back and thinking what could have been?? No, not today. But I think if Washington doesn't get the Cup, it would sour more to come up completely empty(if he doesn't get the Hart or Pearson) when he could have come up everything.
On the flip side of that, picture Crosby, Gold Medal winning goal, Richard, possible Hart and/or Pearson, Conn Smythe, and a back to back Cup???
It could happen, and that would be sick, sick, sick. |
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Hugh G. Rection
Rookie
165 Posts |
Posted - 04/13/2010 : 20:28:22
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| If that happens Beans, then there is an argument for most accomplished season of any individual hockey player ever. Pretty gross for someone who's still so young. Although I don't think Pittsburgh has the same drive or desire (and won't win as a result), it would be incredible if they went to three straight stanley cup finals. |
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99pickles
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
671 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2010 : 22:09:56
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Let's be realistic....all players that had something to gain by playing heavy minutes in the last game or two the season, did so. This includes, Crosby, Ovechkin, Sedin, Stamkos etc etc... It's delusional to think that only your personal fave of the bunch didn't do so. They all did! And there's nothing wrong with that...that's why they get paid the big bucks!! They all had heavy minutes and went for it...it gave them all something extra to play for because in most cases their respective teams or opponents already had their playoff prospects decided.
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Ovechkin's Suspension May Have Cost Him 4 Trophies 
