Alexander Ovechkin's Style Key to the New NHL

Alexander Ovechkin made an impression with his 50th goal celebration, and the slew of intensely negative reactions has surprised me.

Ovechkin is possibly the most talented scorer in the game since Wayne Gretzky, and he takes an almost childlike joy in everything he does on the ice. 

His love for the game shines with every goal, every deke, and every slick move he makes.

However, it appears that most hockey pundits do not appreciate his style.  Don Cherry, possibly the last person I would go to for insight on the modern NHL, came down extraordinarily hard on Ovechkin.

Seriously, what is the problem?  Here’s the hottest goal-scorer in the game having some fun while pointing out that: “Yes, I am hot!”

The modern NHL needs people like Ovechkin.   Yes, you heard me right.

The Modern NHL Needs This Type of Goofy Player

Each year we hear about how the NHL is trying to get people “into” the game.   Any of this sound familiar?

• More goals
• Bigger nets
• Smaller goalie pads
• New penalties
• Faceoff in the offensive zone on power plays.

It’s all about getting butts in the seats.  Bettman’s NHL seems to believe that higher-scoring games will bring new people in. 

You are wrong, Mr Bettman. 

While high-scoring games may be good for a quick bit of fun, it's the 1-1 games where teams are battling to score for 60 minutes or more that keep fans watching.

But, I digress. Again, it’s all about getting people through the doors, which brings me back to Alexander Ovechkin and his over-exuberant goal celebrations.

Kids love this guy.  There are eight-year-olds watching Alex thinking to themselves, “I want to play hockey!”

Children and adults alike are being drawn back to the game because players like Alex make it fun to watch.  More importantly, he has people paying hard-earned money to watch hockey.

Jeremy Roenick went on radio saying:

“You know what? I love Ovechkin. I think this kid is great. He’s great for the game. He’s great for the young kids to watch. The energy this kid shows, the talent he shows, and what he does on the ice is just spectacular. And you know what, so what?

He goes and puts his stick down, and, you know, he is hot....He’s telling everybody that he’s red-hot, and his stick is hot."

Islanders defenseman Brendan Witt was quoted as saying:

“But the game has changed. You’ve got the instigator rule, so players can’t police each other without facing the consequences. It’s a different era, the new NHL, and I think the league wants to see more of it.”

Clearly, Alex does have some fans around the league.

And you know what?  If letting "Alex be Alex" means getting new fans through those doors, I’m all for it.

Images courtesy of sports.yahoo.com and nhl.com