Ovechkin: Nothing left but personality

It looks like it’s time for Alexander Ovechkin to start looking for a back-up plan as his career continues to head downhill—and faster than expected.

Although the Washington Capitals are sitting in a playoff spot just past the midway point in the season, Ovechkin is caught in a serious struggle trying to match his last season’s measly 85 points.

Don’t get me wrong, someone who’s in the range of getting one point-per-game is not someone to look down on, but if this same person had three 100-point seasons just two years ago and racks in $9.5-million per year, it’s a different story.

He was an exemplary athlete for all aspiring Russian hockey players.

Now, with a gold and a silver medal under their belt, the Russian WJHC team is producing a number of players with the potential to bump Ovechkin into the history books.

At a staggering 6’3”, hovering around 230lbs with the occasional big hit, maybe Ovie should switch his NHL path and aim to be the next Scott Stevens. And… maybe not.

Excuse my bias, but I’m one of the countless hockey pool buffs who completely wasted their first-round picks on this sluggish, wide-shooting, ex-star.  I should’ve taken Crosby, at least then I’d have a good excuse for lack of performance.

On the bright side, yeah, he scored—no pun intended—a spot on the all-star roster. This came as a bit of a surprise to me, especially after having found out which players didn’t make the team. 

He surely wasn’t chosen as a result of his latest performances, which brings me to one of his strong points: his extravagant personality.  I can honestly say that I don’t care if his attitude is unnecessary, cocky or flashy.

You don’t often see low-budget rap videos and bad chocolate bar commercials from hockey players, but Ovechkin seemingly has no standards when it comes to media. It’s so over-the-top that it’s enjoyable and worth watching.

All in all, I guess I don’t really have a point to prove with this post, but I do have a question for the Caps management. How does $124-million for 13 years sound nowadays?