Friday, February 01, 2008

Move Over "Gordie Howe Hat Trick"

Thanks to this quote from Alex Ovechkin, in a column penned by Mike Wise in the Washington Post, we now have a new "hat trick" to think about...

"I broke my nose, I have stitches, I score four goals."

Do not try this at home, kids.

Believe it?...or Not!

True of false...of the "bottom five" goaltenders in save percentage in the NHL, three have winning records.

...false. Four of them do...

"Hart"-y Numbers?




For those of you keeping score at home, Alexander Ovechkin is currently on a pace for 68-43-111, +22, with 25 power play goals.

Maybe...

If you factor in his pace since the change in coaches, here is what his numbers project to:

71-44-115, +28, with 26 power play goals

Now, you tell me...is that Hart-worthy?...considering where this club might be without his performance over the last 30-plus games?

Until lately, I would have had Jarome Iginla in the top spot. But the Caps find themselves three points out of a playoff position this morning (either for eighth in the conference or for first in the Southeast Division), largely on the basis of what Ovechkin has done over the last 30 games. I think the two are close, and they are very similar players in style, but Ovechkin has to carry somewhat more of the burden. If the Caps make the playoffs, it could tip the voting scales.