tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14971098.post5799724787432417619..comments2024-03-17T21:09:46.268-04:00Comments on The Peerless Prognosticator: 2011-2012 By the Tens -- Forwards: Alex OvechkinThe Peerlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10293195514553989436noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14971098.post-39388892465121095272012-06-07T22:52:21.836-04:002012-06-07T22:52:21.836-04:00Some of AO's fans insist on defending the inde...Some of AO's fans insist on defending the indefensible. AO has skill by the boatload and says he wants to win, but he lacks the commitment to prepare himself physically and mentally to play NHL hockey. AO defenders blame management for not giving him a supporting cast instead of blaming him for spending more time and energy living the high life off the ice instead of dedicating himself to improving his hockey skills on the ice. It's no coincidence that he's the last one on and first one off the ice at team practices. Nice going, AO defenders, you are just as guilty as management for allowing the "face of the franchise" to get away with whatever he wants to do and not hold him accountable.Kirknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14971098.post-89105176864717373432012-06-07T12:44:07.575-04:002012-06-07T12:44:07.575-04:00Jeremy and Anonymous - typical bandwagoners - swin...Jeremy and Anonymous - typical bandwagoners - swing with the tide. Now, the tide is blowing in Alex bashing way so go along! Since day 1, he has been the top producer and by far the best player on caps team. You can argue howmuchever you want, but the fact is the management didn't give him the supporting cast he deserves and the system that suits him. Either you build around the best player(s) on your team or around the system you design. Don't expect anyone to change overnight, that too at an elite level, because the coach suddenly installs a new system. Yes, OV has to mature and he has taken steps but the failure of the team has almost nothing to do with his performance on ice. Yes, "C" may be questionable, but, that's not his fault. The management erred and they must correct it by doing what it takes to get the right personnel for the jobs (coaching/players/etc).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14971098.post-71464921218911412592012-06-06T19:49:41.932-04:002012-06-06T19:49:41.932-04:00I second Jeremy's comment. For the better par...I second Jeremy's comment. For the better part of two seasons, Ovechkin has been basically a one-trick pony player, certainly not deserving of his bloated salary and ensuing cap hit. Is it possible his decline is due to arrogance and lack of motivation? He is guaranteed his $9million+ salary for nine more seasons, and earns millions more with his commercial endorsements. Why would a multimillionaire 26-year-old care about improving his game, becoming more defensively responsible, or developing into a true team leader? The problem is the Caps allowed Ovechkin to get away with his irresponsible rock star lifestyle and habits for too long with no accountability. We are now seeing the results of this policy. Ovechkin doesn't deserve a "C" grade, and deserves the "C" on his sweater even less.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14971098.post-791570392564050072012-06-06T06:58:46.839-04:002012-06-06T06:58:46.839-04:00I think a "C" is very charitable and per...I think a "C" is very charitable and perhaps as ill-fitting as the "C" on Ovechkin's sweater. Ovechkin simply didn't put forth the effort this year: he was lazy, selfish, and a floater. He has been coddled far too long by a hapless organization that spins pixels and promises and doesn't get results.Jeremynoreply@blogger.com