Bradley on Ovechkin: [In poker term] He is all-in guy (update)
Matt Bradley had to answer the question to Ottawa's radio station (you know, he is from Ottawa) why the Washington Capitals team was never been able to break through in playoffs...
Matt questioned some work ethics, like some people having questionable injuries and not showing up at the morning skate (no, it was not about Ovi, as you can see below) or in playoffs. He critized Bruce a bit, though understanding why it happened, for playing highly paid players who wouldn't show up in playoffs (insert Backstrom, Green, etc.) instead of blue color guys like Chimera (Nah, wouldn't agree on this guy) And obviously there was an easy target: Alex Semin, he ripped him for his attitude, indifference, etc.
And the next question, as you can imagine, was about Alex Ovechkin
TEAM 1200 in Ottawa:
Q.: Is, is, to use a poker term, is Alexander Ovechkin in your opinion, I mean, he is the Captain, is he all-in when it comes to try to win the Stanley Cup in Washington, or is he got some growing and some maturing to do yet?
Matt Bradley: No, I never worry about Ovi, he is all-in guy, he is young, he makes his mistakes, the same as anyone would. I'm also trying to put myself in his position and you gotta remember, he is 25 years old, he's got a guaranted $120 milion, he is on top of the world, and he still for the most part makes the right decisions.
No, I don't worry about him, I don't worry about most of the guys in that team, that's why in the end they'll do well... Ovi has some growing up to do as far as taking care of himself and things like that, but as far as his want to win, he really does just want to win the game... He doesn't care if he scores or not... He is a great guy, great player, I'd never say anything bad about him...
Well, Matt said everything right, but as of Semin...
I've never been a fan of Alex Semin, but following him for all these years I realized that Semin tries really hard to be better, he does care. But his normal state is indifference, he can't break out of it, and it pisses everyone off. It's like asking attention from a person with attention deficit disorder. Yeah, trade him, but what if for short moment somewhere in playoffs he would be able to get out of his state of indifference? That's what GMGM and everybody else is hoping for; because this guy can score GWG in SCF.
Update from Coach Boudreau via TSN:
Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreau spoke on TSN 1050 Wednesday and initially declined comment on Bradley's remarks, but answered when pressed on what Semin's response may be.
"He's in Siberia. He may not get [word of] it. I don't know," Boudreau told TSN 1050 of Bradley's comments. "By the time training camp comes around, I think it'll die."
Boudreau agreed with Bradley's talent assessment of Semin.
"He's a great player. I always think he's going to have a 50-goal year, before (the season) starts. He's just so talented," he said.
What is funny, originally they made a typo, instead of "Semin's response" it was "Ovechkin's response." Russian Sport-Express didn't get it, and they translated that "As far as Ovechkin concerned, he is in Siberia now (Что же касается Овечкина, то он сейчас находится в Сибири)."
LOL.
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I think Semin is a good player. He has his problems and can be very tempermental but I'd rather be playing with him than against him. I think peoples opinions could change based on this season. It seems like everyone is finally getting the point that they have to be serious, Backstrom, Green, Ovi, and Laich have all talked about being sick of losing and taking the next step in being a better team. If Semin is working hard too, which I suspect he is, than he should have a better season. He's been getting better and aside from the 2010 playoffs, he's been pretty consistant and not bad. 3, 5, and 4 for goals if you discount that season, and 5, 9, 2, and 2 in assists including that season. Ovechkin's stats aren't that much above it and nobody can say he doesn't show up.
As for Bradley's comments, it's not surprising and he's not the only one to make them. I agree with some of what he said, and to a point with others. There need to be changes and I think they're will be.
"Ovi has some growing up to do as far as taking care of himself and things like that"
Interesting statement.
@mkat83: It's not a surprising comment. Last season and in the past, Ovi hasn't been the healthiest person. I think Arnott or someone knocked some sense into him though. Which is why I'm not so worried about Semin, he has a chance to keep it up. Last season was good for him, effort wise. Hopefully losing Arnott wont change that.
"Ovi has some growing up to do as far as taking care of himself and things like that"
Mkat83, interesting doesn't even begin to describe this statement. I and others have pointed out how Ovie was out of shape and in poor condition last season, and it showed on the ice during practice and games. It seems like other players like Bradley also noticed. Ovie even admitted Arnott had to point out some things to him to take better care of his body.
From what we've heard Ovie say and the recent photo evidence, he's taken steps to correct his mistakes and do things differently. I expect Ovie to arrive in training camp much more fit and, as Coach Boudreau said, "mad as a bear" to do whatever it takes to win the Stanley Cup.
As for Semin, well I and others have also commented on his mercurial nature. Bottom line, as GM McPhee himself said, they like Semin because he can score goals. That's why he's still a Cap despite the baggage his mercurial nature, ie "indifference" brings.
@Mkat83 and @BobbyG,
I think you gals are right, there's some hint... You are making $120 mil, you're 25 and single, hey, if I would be in Ovi's shoes, pardon, skates... you don't need to smoke anything :-) it's real... ahaha
AND STILL MAKING THE RIGHT DECISIONS THOUGH :-)
Ovi needs to get married and it will take care of him...
TJ, I was with you until this:
"Ovi needs to get married and it will take care of him..."
IMO if and when Ovie decides to get married it shouldn't be to have someone take care of him. Yes he's Russian and it might be culturally ingrained to expect that from a wife. But he's going to be 26 this coming season, he's a grown man now who's lived and worked in the US for almost 7 years. He shouldn't need Mommy 2 watching what he eats and nagging him to exercise. He should be mature enough by now to make the correct decisions on his own. :)
I think Ovechkin learned a lot this season. It's clear Arnott made an impression on both him and Semin, as well as the toll of losing mentally, I'd be surprised if there wasn't impovment on both side.
btw my friend in Krasnoyarsk said he saw Semin the other day walking around in a vest without a shirt. Along with making fun of his fashion sense, he said it looked like he'd been working out a lot. So, who knows. Hard to tell with Mr. Skinny.
Your friend should've taken picture with his cell and send to us...
@tj: I didn't think about that. Maybe I'll give a call back and tell him to keep an eye out again haha
What sashastolemyheart said on tumblr.
"btw my friend in Krasnoyarsk said he saw Semin the other day walking around in a vest without a shirt. He said it looked like he'd been working out a lot. So, who knows"
I almost die after reading that... I need a picture... before is too late... XP
@Devi: I said that, not sashastolemyheart. lol
I talked to him and he called me a creeper, but if he sees him again, he'll take a couple pictures.
Sasha's physical condition, except for injuries, has never been in question. We have seen year after year that he worksout for many months during the summer and comes to camp prepared. As Bradley's words imply, Sasha's problems are mental. Arnott and Fedorov have made little difference. Sasha's brain does not seem to be wired that way. Others can prod from the outside, but it doesn't last.
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