Looking back and looking forward
By Corey Masisak, CSNwashington.com, Aug. 19, 2010:
Alex Ovechkin
WAS: 72 games, 50 goals, 109 points, +45
Looking back: It was Ovechkin’s most efficient season – when he was in the lineup. Coach Bruce Boudreau scaled back his ice time by more than a minute from the previous two seasons, and yet Ovechkin scored at a 124-point pace, which would have been the second-most since the lockout (Joe Thornton had 125 in 2005-06). Ovechkin also put 160 less shots on net than the year before, but still managed 50 goals because his shooting percentage was the second best of his career. Adding Mike Knuble to the top line and Nicklas Backstrom’s increased willingness to shoot provided a boost to Ovechkin’s already electric ability to rack up points in bunches.
All that said, 2009-10 may end being the second-worst season on Ovechkin’s career when he is done re-writing team record books years from now (Year Two is likely to be the worst unless he has a major injury at some point). His reputation on the ice took a hit because of the suspensions and ejections. His reputation off the ice took a hit because of a couple incidents in Vancouver during the Olympics (and a perceived unwillingness to make time for the English-speaking media). His teams also fell short, both in Washington and in the two international competitions.
Looking forward: Hell hath no fury like a two-time league MVP scorned? That’s certainly a possibility. Ovechkin missed out on a third straight Hart trophy, despite a sizable advantage in points per game and, for the more statistically inclined, GVT (and part two). Given how strong the Washington lineup will be again this season, betting against Ovechkin to win the Richard and Ross trophies might not be the smartest move. He, like the rest of his teammates, will probably have to wait until April before the real redemption begins. Another 60-plus goals and a new career-high in points could be a reasonable projection.
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I might have overlooked it, but surprised we haven't seen this on this blog:
http://www.sovsport.ru/news/text-item/405009
And BTW, love the new big pic of Ovi on the right side of the page!
This is an old pic by Pavel Lysenkov, like two years ago. I had it somewhere in my blog.
Thinking back on the past season that was, why is it that the opening lines of Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities" pop into my head?
Thanks for posting the sepia toned photo of a very intense Ovie. I hope we get to see that look early and often next season. I also hope he channels his feelings--fury, anger, disappointment, frustration, whatever--about any unfinished business into a monster season. I don't mean only for personal individual achievements, stats, and awards, but where it really matters--Stanley Cup playoffs success. GO OVIE!
I hope this is very good year. It should be since he's looking smokin' and appears to maybe have lost some weight since last season, or at least this off-season. Good colour in his skin too! Sorry, I notice this stuff in people. lol
Maybe this will lead to faster, healthier season? He didn't seem to go off as he usually does in off season, too busy, maybe? Either way, he looks good. Seems determined.
Bring Stanley home to Russia and DC! Aww, one of his cats sitting in the top would be cute!
Just got this off of RMNB, It's Nicky's training from last year, I believe.
They capt'd it "If you want a laugh, check out the video below of the golden-haired Nicklas Backstrom trying to box. This was one of his recent hockey workouts in Sweden."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wZV0XHgM8c
also found this (added same year)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu07dBlyKSM&feature=related
83m(his slapshot) = 272.31', and 100 kg(his lift) = 220lbs! Nice, Nicky!
Wonder what he's doing this year?
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