barry33 wrote:

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As much as I like Syd the Kid, it is becoming evident that voting Ovechkin Rookie of the year this year in the NHL will be a no-brainer. Now at 41 goals and counting and playing on a team that is almost as dismal as the Pens. Crosby has played to expectations and Phaneuf has had a great year in Calgary..but Alexander the Great is in a class by himself.

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I agree fully, Barry (it pains me to say).   The lockout has cost Sid the Calder Trophy, but I still think he'll be a better player in a year or two.  He is two years younger than Ovechkin, which is a lot at 18 and 20, but nothing at, say, 22 and 24.  (I think you pointed this out yourself some time ago.)

Nil d wrote:

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barry33 wrote: As much as I like Syd the Kid, it is becoming evident that voting Ovechkin Rookie of the year this year in the NHL will be a no-brainer. Now at 41 goals and counting and playing on a team that is almost as dismal as the Pens. Crosby has played to expectations and Phaneuf has had a great year in Calgary..but Alexander the Great is in a class by himself. I agree fully, Barry (it pains me to say).   The lockout has cost Sid the Calder Trophy, but I still think he'll be a better player in a year or two.  He is two years younger than Ovechkin, which is a lot at 18 and 20, but nothing at, say, 22 and 24.  (I think you pointed this out yourself some time ago.)

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Hey no question at all Nilsey. He has also been playing against MEN in the Russian Elite League which puts his development way ahead of Crosby who was playing in Rimouski last year. I think you will see the teeter totter that is now on Ovechkin's side even out more in a year or 2. Bottom line is that Crosby is every bit as good as they predicted he would be.

Hate to say it but the old bing-ster is a footnote compared...

Imaginr if this guy was Canadian, he'd actually get the respect he deserves!