Ovechkin's overly aggressive style needs to change

Word will likely come down sometime today the extent of the knee injury to Great 8, Alex Ovechkin.  In case you live in a closet and were unaware of the injury to Ovie last night, take a look at the post immediately below this one for the video.  Ovechkin took nearly 10 minutes to get off the ice and left without applying any pressure whatsoever to the injured knee.

The hit came in the first period when Ovechkin barrelled ahead to take a hit to Tim Gleasen.  Gleasen moved aside and the knee of Ovechkin and Gleasen collided, both went down.  Gleasen managed to come back and play, Ovechkin, did not return, and could not have returned regardless, earning his 2nd game misconduct penalty in the last 3 games.

There are two things unclear at this point.  One, what is the extent of the knee injury.  Ovie is expected to undergo an MRI today.  Second, what, if any, discipline will be handed down by the NHL to Ovechkin for the knee to knee hit.

The thing is with Ovechkin’s style of play, which can be defined as energetic, enthusiastic, and yes, at time, overly aggressive, but the more amazing thing is, how did it take this long for an injury?  Ovechkin’s unbounded aggressive style of play is rough.  He doles out super hard hits, then takes them as well.  He actively seeks hits, making himself a target.

I don’t for one minute believe that Ovechkin intentionally attempted to knee Gleason.  All you need to do is watch the video and you will see that.  However, it is the type of hit that Ovechkin tried to deliver, that is causing injuries to others, but now, to himself as well.   It seems, at least lately, Ovechkin has spent more energy on delivering hits, than playing defense on the other end of  the ice and scoring.

I would be surprised at this point if Ovechkin receives a suspension.  If he does, well, it may help wake Ovechkin up to his overly aggressive style of play.  Thing is for the Washington Capitals and Caps Owner Ted Leonsis, he is a huge investment on the roster.  When does it come time for the Capitals organization to have a discussion with Ovie?  WE have all heard it before from the Caps.  It is his style of play.  That’s the way Alex is.  We don’t wanna change Alex.  Blah, Blah, Blah.  Maybe for the sake of the team and for the health of Alex, maybe that time has come. [Read more →]

Read it all at

http://dcprosportsreport.com/2009/12/01/ovechkins-overly-aggressive-style-needs-to-change.html

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