Agreed. Ovechkin is probably the more exciting/explosive player, but Crosby's overall game is way better. He's made Chris Kunitz, CHRIS KUNITZ, a Team Canada member.

CHRIS KUNITZ
- jmatchett383

I think Crosby is more exciting. Ovechkin Hangs out in the same spot and waits to fire a cannon. He doesn't barrel around like he used to. He used to be good for at least 1 play per night where you'd say "There is no one else on earth that can do that." That's not the case anymore.

Completely not true. Voracek exceeded what was expected of him. Its just after we saw him exceed the initial expectations, we kept raising the expectations. And Schenn and Couturier were rookies. At the time you only set career expectations on them. You cant expect them to be top level players day 1. IMO they are progress above expectations at this point.
- youarewrong

I'd say Couturier didn't meet expectations last season. Same for Schenn, really. But right now, both deals (statistically) look good.

Voracek, B. Schenn, MAB, Meszaros, 2 1sts for Shea Weber? I heard a rumor some time back that's a possible deal. Any truth?
- jmatchett383

I think Mez and MAB make the deal worse for Nashville

I'd say Couturier didn't meet expectations last season. Same for Schenn, really. But right now, both deals (statistically) look good.
- jmatchett383

I think both teams are happy with the deals. If the Kings didn't win the cup, it would look pretty lopsided right now.

I think Crosby is more exciting. Ovechkin Hangs out in the same spot and waits to fire a cannon. He doesn't barrel around like he used to. He used to be good for at least 1 play per night where you'd say "There is no one else on earth that can do that." That's not the case anymore.
- PhillySportsGuy

That's true. I just remember Ovechkin getting the puck along the left wall with speed and just going, "Well, there's a goal." Kinda how Kovalchuk was.

I'd say Couturier didn't meet expectations last season. Same for Schenn, really. But right now, both deals (statistically) look good.
- jmatchett383

And Jake didn't exceed expectations for a season and a half.... Remember the snake bit Jake?

Do you think he wants to come back and be a 4th liner?
- PhillySportsGuy

He wants to play, at least of last report in Oct...and I would be willing to bet he wants to play on a team that 1) has a chance at the playoffs. 2) has a strong fan base that is fun to play in front of...

After that I think it is a coin flip...only he knows what he has in the tank...if he can give 100% for 8-10 minutes it is better than the 4th line we throw out right now...we are not getting the mileage out of it we need...and that hurts everyone...

That's true. I just remember Ovechkin getting the puck along the left wall with speed and just going, "Well, there's a goal." Kinda how Kovalchuk was.
- jmatchett383

The anticipation that mounted when Ovechkin got moving was unlike anything I've seen since Lindros.

Because they have enough D to survive without Niskanen, and he would be their major trade chip if a playoff-bound team needs help on D. If he brought in a solid 3rd liner, they'd move him.
- jmatchett383

im honestly not sure how much niskanen would bring back, as youd have to think he cant wait to test the market. for as well as he is playing, it might beb etter to keep him on. but yeah, if he brought in a solid third liner the team would have to look at it. like an ott.

hes going to cash in this offseason. honestly, i think keeping him around may be better than keeping orpik for the pens

Agreed. Ovechkin is probably the more exciting/explosive player, but Crosby's overall game is way better. He's made Chris Kunitz, CHRIS KUNITZ, a Team Canada member.

CHRIS KUNITZ
- jmatchett383

You asked what I would do. I would play it safe. If it would be possible I would trade down 2 spots, pick up another pick in the 2nd round and pick up Ovechkin or Stamkos. IMO you could pick Crosby and his career could be done next season. Sure that can happen to any player, but there is a theme with players like Lindros, Kariya, Crosby. You rarely see someone that has such a difficult injury history, especially concussions, ever have a full, long career at such a high level. Look at Forsberg, his career was ended early IMO.

He wants to play, at least of last report in Oct...and I would be willing to bet he wants to play on a team that 1) has a chance at the playoffs. 2) has a strong fan base that is fun to play in front of...

After that I think it is a coin flip...only he knows what he has in the tank...if he can give 100% for 8-10 minutes it is better than the 4th line we throw out right now...we are not getting the mileage out of it we need...and that hurts everyone...
- JW98FlyerFan

I just don't think he's suited for the crashing and banging of a 4th line. LIke I said, he will be facing a lot of energy guys who want to hit people. I'm not saying he won't be effective. I just wonder how long he will want and be able to be effective.

That's true. I just remember Ovechkin getting the puck along the left wall with speed and just going, "Well, there's a goal." Kinda how Kovalchuk was.
- jmatchett383

yeah but now you can get it back on the next shift when he is just standing there on the circle waiting to get fed a pass and he refuses to take part in plays going the other way.

I think both teams are happy with the deals. If the Kings didn't win the cup, it would look pretty lopsided right now.
- PhillySportsGuy

Im of the belief that Kings win that cup with or without Carter and Richards, I mean when your team is only giving up on average 1.41 goals a game..... Come on. How many goals do you need to score? Richards and Carter were'nt even the go to guys on that team.

You asked what I would do. I would play it safe. If it would be possible I would trade down 2 spots, pick up another pick in the 2nd round and pick up Ovechkin or Stamkos. IMO you could pick Crosby and his career could be done next season. Sure that can happen to any player, but there is a theme with players like Lindros, Kariya, Crosby. You rarely see someone that has such a difficult injury history, especially concussions, ever have a full, long career at such a high level. Look at Forsberg, his career was ended early IMO.
- youarewrong

I'll take the best player in the world and take my chances with the injury. If I have Ovechkin, I know he'll score a lot and be on the ice for lots of goals against

I think Crosby is more exciting. Ovechkin Hangs out in the same spot and waits to fire a cannon. He doesn't barrel around like he used to. He used to be good for at least 1 play per night where you'd say "There is no one else on earth that can do that." That's not the case anymore.
- PhillySportsGuy

talent wise, ovechkin has more than crosby. hell, malkin has more than them both. but crosby is the better player for a litany of reasons.

i will say this about OV though. for as much as he just loafs around looking for the pass to one time, he sure knows how to find the creases and get open and get a shot off damn near every time.

You asked what I would do. I would play it safe. If it would be possible I would trade down 2 spots, pick up another pick in the 2nd round and pick up Ovechkin or Stamkos. IMO you could pick Crosby and his career could be done next season. Sure that can happen to any player, but there is a theme with players like Lindros, Kariya, Crosby. You rarely see someone that has such a difficult injury history, especially concussions, ever have a full, long career at such a high level. Look at Forsberg, his career was ended early IMO.
- youarewrong

did i miss a cool hypothetical starting a team type draft?

Im of the belief that Kings win that cup with or without Carter and Richards, I mean when your team is only giving up on average 1.41 goals a game..... Come on. How many goals do you need to score? Richards and Carter were'nt even the go to guys on that team.
- GOA88

Richards and Carter are both good two-way players. They played a part in the strong team defense. They certainly weren't and aren't the anchors of that team. They aren't even the top line, but they definitely played a part.

I think they beat the Devils without them, but I'm not sure they get through the west without them.

Lets not forget that they nearly missed the playoffs. Richards and Carter may have helped them make it.

did i miss a cool hypothetical starting a team type draft?
- stayinthefnnet

Yes. The age old question since both Ovie and Crosby entered the league

Voracek, B. Schenn, MAB, Meszaros, 2 1sts for Shea Weber? I heard a rumor some time back that's a possible deal. Any truth?
- jmatchett383

I just don't think he's suited for the crashing and banging of a 4th line. LIke I said, he will be facing a lot of energy guys who want to hit people. I'm not saying he won't be effective. I just wonder how long he will want and be able to be effective.
- PhillySportsGuy

Good question, but the hits I see come from every line...the only way to avoid it is quick puck movement, which he is effective at...

Just a thought anyway, it they do make the playoffs the depth of foward lines will hurt them, Gagne solves some of that and does not cost the team anything in a trade, and is simple as waiving Gill if the D is intact at the start of the post season.

talent wise, ovechkin has more than crosby. hell, malkin has more than them both. but crosby is the better player for a litany of reasons.

i will say this about OV though. for as much as he just loafs around looking for the pass to one time, he sure knows how to find the creases and get open and get a shot off damn near every time.
- stayinthefnnet

His shot is remarkable. All he needs is a little space. The problem is he's a very one-dimensional player now. Even in the offensive end.

talent wise, ovechkin has more than crosby. hell, malkin has more than them both. but crosby is the better player for a litany of reasons.

i will say this about OV though. for as much as he just loafs around looking for the pass to one time, he sure knows how to find the creases and get open and get a shot off damn near every time.
- stayinthefnnet

I hate Crosby but he is the best OFFENSIVE player in the league. Not the best IMO. I'll take Toews 80-90 pts and a Selke over Crosby. All around better player. Great face-off guy and leader too. Crosby isnt a Captain. Huge baby

Richards and Carter are both good two-way players. They played a part in the strong team defense. They certainly weren't and aren't the anchors of that team. They aren't even the top line, but they definitely played a part.

I think they beat the Devils without them, but I'm not sure they get through the west without them.

Lets not forget that they nearly missed the playoffs. Richards and Carter may have helped them make it.
- PhillySportsGuy

i forgot the devils were in the SCF last season. jfc.

- 2Real

Right there with ya...The more we see of B Schenn, the more likely he is going NO WHERE in a trade.

Im of the belief that Kings win that cup with or without Carter and Richards, I mean when your team is only giving up on average 1.41 goals a game..... Come on. How many goals do you need to score? Richards and Carter were'nt even the go to guys on that team.
- GOA88

Carter became a big-time, clutch goal scorer in the playoffs that year. I think Richards was also a top-10 scorer in the entire playoffs. They definitely helped.