Alex Ovechkin Fails to Score Versus Bruins, Richard Trophy up for Grabs

Heading into today’s action, Alexander Ovechkin and sophomore sensation Steven Stamkos were tied with 50 goals apiece. Close on their heals is none other than Sidney Crosby, who has 49 goals on the season.

All three players were set to play today with Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals taking on the Boston Bruins. Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins were playing the New York Islanders, and Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning were facing the Florida Panthers.

Well, the Capitals-Bruins tilt is in the books, and Ovi has failed to score a goal, leaving the Rocket Richard Trophy up for grabs.

Both Stamkos and Crosby are more than capable of having multi-goal games, so both have a legitimate chance of surpassing Ovechkin’s 50 goals.

Stamkos has been red-hot as of late, scoring eight goals in his past ten games, including two games in which he scored two goals, including his April 10 performance against the Florida Panthers (the team he plays today).

Crosby has four goals in his past ten games. Good, but not good enough to keep pace with Stamkos and Ovechkin.

Stamkos can lay it all on the line today, as both he and his Lightning teammates will not need to leave anything on the table since they are not in the playoffs.

As much as the Penguins may wish to see Sidney capture the Richard Trophy, they may also be tempted to rest their star in anticipation of a long playoff run. That said, if Sidney is close (which he is), he may force the matter and get the green light to go for it.

Let’s face it. A chance to win a Rocket Richard Trophy comes around very few times in one's career. It says here the Pens and Lightning should do everything possible to ensure both Crosby and Stamkos get a fair chance to earn the coveted Trophy, playoffs be damned.

The Penguins take on the Islanders at 5 p.m., and the Lightning play the Panthers at 5 p.m. as well...stay tuned, the race for the Richard Trophy is just heating up!

For more NHL news and notes check out my website at www.theslapshot.com

Until next time,

Peace!