Ovechkin's Legacy: The Biggest Loser

(photo courtesy of sbnation.com)

Over his short career, Alexander Ovechkin has seen his status slip from being the Russian answer to Sidney Crosby, to being just another "Russian enigma". Ovie saw his role change drastically in this year's playoff run in an attempt by coach Dale Hunter to get his offensively-charged lineup to play a defense-first style. Ovechkin's ice time dropped drastically as a result, but the Caps were pulling out some gritty wins. 

(photo courtesy of washingtonpost.com)

Game seven in the Big Apple was a tightly-contested match that offered Ovie the opportunity to change the narrative about his worth as a big-game player. Instead, he withered under the pressure, failing yet again to make the big play and carry his team to victory. Pressure creates gems, but it also creates rubble, and Ovechkin is running out of chances to show us what he's made of.

Pens Depth Could Take Them Deep

(photo courtesy of post-gazette.com)

The Pittsburgh Penguins have stolen everybody's thunder. Since Sid's return the team is going banana sandwich all over the league, i.e. last night's pond hockey game against the Jets. Crosby, Malkin, and Neal combined for 13 points as Pittsburgh pimp-smacked the 'Peg 8-4. But this was no regular blowout, it was an establishment of the boys and the men. The Penguins have all the hallmarks of a battle-hardened playoff team: Size, speed, grit, elite goaltending, savvy role players, great puck moving defensemen, intelligent coaching, and offensive skill for light years. The scariest part for the rest of the NHL is that they are JACKED that Crosby’s back. The teams that heat up at the right time of year usually do damage in the playoffs, and it’s doubtful that this will be any different. Watch out for these guys.