Alexander Ovechkin: Playing the Devil's Advocate

Before you read this, understand that I am both not a Capitals fan or an Ovechkin fan, I just enjoy good hockey...and Ovechkin certainly delivers that.

Yesterday, Ovechkin was suspended two games for his apparent hit from behind on Brian Campbell of the Chicago Blackhawks.

This was a mistake by Bettman.

When asked about the hit, 21 of 30 the NHL General Managers said the play was clean (Source: TEAM 1200), while only 9 thought it was dirty. Does that truthfully merit a suspension?

By contrast, all 30 GM's thought the Matt Cooke blind-side head shot was dirty, but yet that did not earn a suspension.

Is it fair that the duration of an injury determines a suspension? I think not.

Many people say that, because he is a superstar, he earns special treatment. When he does something dirty, he gets off scott free. However, I think the opposite is the case. Because he is a superstar, his actions are even further under the microscope.

The truth is, Ovechkin is a fast physical player who finishes his checks, which is exactly what the league wants in a player. Ovechkin was simply finishing his check on that play.

When going at the speeds Ovechkin goes, it is impossible to stop yourself from the potentially dangerous plays, and that is not his fault.

There is a difference between "reckless" and "dirty". Ovehkin does rarely crosses that line, this was not a case in point.