Forget About Alexander Ovechkin; Sidney Crosby Is King

All season long I have had to read all the negative comments about Sidney Crosby and how he is not as good as Alexander Ovechkin. To say these comments are preposterous is an understatement. The fact is, Crosby is King, so all the haters had better get used to it.

Now, before everyone gets their nickers in a bunch, consider the facts.

Fact: Crosby scored more goals than Ovechkin this season (51-50) and tied him for points with 109. Crosby scored two goals in his final game to leapfrog over Ovechkin in the race for the Rocket Richard Trophy. Ovechkin failed to register a point in his final game.

Fact: Crosby outperformed Ovechkin at the Olympics—Crosby scored the gold medal winning goal for Canada, Ovechkin came home without a medal.

Fact: Crosby won the Stanley Cup in 2008-09, beating Ovechkin head-to-head along the way.

Fact: Crosby is already proving to be a dominant force in the 2009-10 playoffs. Ovechkin has failed to register a shot.

Fact: Crosby outscored Ovechkin in last year's playoffs by a margin of 31-21.

Fact: Crosby has 68 career playoff points, Ovechkin has 30.

Fact: Crosby has three more career playoff points than teammate Evgeni Malkin (just to put to rest the argument that Malkin is the reason for the Penguins' success).

Fact: Crosby has amassed 506 career points in 371 regular season games played, for an average of 1.363 points per game. Ovechkin has amassed 529 career points in 396 regular season games played for an average of 1.335 points per game—which means Crosby has more points per game, albeit by a very slim margin.

Now, it’s true that Crosby has played in more playoff games than Ovechkin, so his point totals should be better than Ovechkin’s. That said, you make your own opportunities, and Crosby has made opportunities for himself and his teammates to succeed.

Has Crosby played on better teams? Perhaps, but Crosby has been a big factor in every success the Pittsburgh Penguins have had since he joined the team. On the other hand, Ovechkin has yet to seize his opportunities and, until he does, he will always have that black cloud surrounding him.

Ovechkin led his Washington Capitals to the Presidents' Trophy this season—his Caps were top dogs! If he fails to bring home a Stanley Cup the season will be viewed a failure, Presidents' Trophy or not. Clearly, Ovechkin has the horses this season. The question is, can he win it all?

Crosby’s critics often point to the fact that Crosby was unable to win a Rocket Richard Trophy—he accomplished that this season.

Crosby’s critics often point to the fact that he is a whiner—maybe so, but so was Gretzky, and he is still arguably the greatest player of all time, whiner or not.

Crosby’s critics say he is not tough enough—fact is, he is willing and able to drop the gloves with just about anyone.

Crosby’s critics say he is not as skilled as Ovechkin. Let’s face it, they are very different players so it is hard to say. Then again, did you see Crosby’s assist in last night’s game?

The fact is, Crosby is a champ, one of the best players we have ever laid eyes on, and he deserves all the credit in the world. Anyone who thinks differently is sadly mistaken.

Am I taking a shot at Ovechkin? No. I am merely illustrating that Crosby is a winner, a champ, a top performer, and (at the very least) Ovechkin’s equal.

It is my opinion that Crosby is the better player right now. He has proven this through both personal and team success, which is the true mark of a champion.

Will Ovechkin ever lead his team to a Stanley Cup victory? This remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure, until he does, he is making Crosby’s case as the NHL’s best player stronger and stronger and, every season Ovechkin fails to deliver a Cup, Crosby’s legacy will be that much stronger.

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

Until next time,

Peace!