How about the Blues? They have the structure, the discipline, the grit, and DEFINITELY the defensive prowess. The only knock on them can be, do they have enough goal-scorers to win a Stanley Cup?
- BoomGoesTheCoburn

I stated that the other day, who is the offensive catalyst on that team?

There's no question that they are very different as players. But I'll take my chances with Bergeron, who has scored 51 points, and is a +36, versus Ovechkin who has scored 69 points, and is a -31. As someone has already pointed out, that is a 67 goal swing. Now to be fair, PP goals and points have to be looked at, because Ovechkin outscores Bergeron on the PP. 34 points to 8 points. But there is a discrepancy in PP time there. There's a lot of factors involved
- MJL

I honestly think if Giroux played with Backstrom he would pot 50 with ease. And stamkos could pot 70 to 80 in a season.

I don't think people realize how much of OV's scoring prowess is due completely to Backstrom.
- FlyersSteve118

The Power play runs through Backstrom. He's the decision maker. OV plays a huge role and forces team to do things, but Backstrom is the Giroux of their PP.

Who's gonna bail out the Caps with all the goals OV scores?
Tom Wilson? Troy Brouwer? Ward? Chimera? Fehr? Penner?
- Yosimar89

SHHHHH -- I don't even want to hear the answers that might come out of that

I don't think people realize how much of OV's scoring prowess is due completely to Backstrom.
- FlyersSteve118

You know he put up 106pts and 52-goals as a 20-year-old saddled with Zubrus and Chris Clark, right?

SHHHHH -- I don't even want to hear the answers that might come out of that
- AllInForFlyers

They don't have anyone who is going to score 50, but guys like Brower, Ward, Johansson, Laich, Chimera, Kuznetsov can step up. Oh and Bergeron will get you 50-60 points as well.

I honestly think if Giroux played with Backstrom he would pot 50 with ease. And stamkos could pot 70 to 80 in a season.
- FlyersSteve118

Giroux and Backstrom are both playmakers, so I don't know how good of a mix they would be. But something to keep in mind on the PP. Backstrom has the luxury of playing with Ovechkin on the PP. Teams obviously have to slant towards him on the PK. Which gives room to other players. Giroux is the focal point on the PP for the Flyers. Imagine Giroux feeding Ovechkin on the PP?

You know he put up 106pts and 52-goals as a 20-year-old saddled with Zubrus and Chris Clark, right?
- Tomahawk

Wel if you can find a time machine, then we can have a better argument

You know he put up 100pts and 52-goals as a 20-year-old saddled with Zubrus and Chris Clark, right?
- Tomahawk

Than the entire league figured out he shot through people's legs to screen the goalie when he shot and now the defensemen close their legs and he can't score at even strength any more.

Brower and Ward are on pace for 24 goals each. You don't think they could get to 30 playing with Backstrom and being the focal point?
- PhillySportsGuy

All I know is OV was a goal scoring machine before Backstrom even came into the league.

IMO, it's harder to find a great goal scorer than it is a "great" passer.

Giroux and Backstrom are both playmakers, so I don't know how good of a mix they would be. But something to keep in mind on the PP. Backstrom has the luxury of playing with Ovechkin on the PP. Teams obviously have to slant towards him on the PK. Which gives room to other players. Giroux is the focal point on the PP for the Flyers. Imagine Giroux feeding Ovechkin on the PP?
- MJL

They would need to change their PP though. Their current PP is set up for a left handed RW

How much is haggs cap number? Havent seen it anywhere

All I know is OV was a goal scoring machine before Backstrom even came into the league.

IMO, it's harder to find a great goal scorer than it is a "great" passer.
- Yosimar89

How come top goal scorers don't seem to get to cups these days, but Selke winners tend to get there?

They would need to change their PP though. Their current PP is set up for a left handed RW
- PhillySportsGuy

Good point. They both like to work the same side.

Than the entire league figured out he shot through people's legs to screen the goalie when he shot and now the defensemen close their legs and he can't score at even strength any more.
- FlyersSteve118

His PP to ES goals ratio from this year anmd his rookie year are carbon copies.

Giroux and Backstrom are both playmakers, so I don't know how good of a mix they would be. But something to keep in mind on the PP. Backstrom has the luxury of playing with Ovechkin on the PP. Teams obviously have to slant towards him on the PK. Which gives room to other players. Giroux is the focal point on the PP for the Flyers. Imagine Giroux feeding Ovechkin on the PP?
- MJL

Giroux is more of a mix between OV and Backstrom. He has an incredible shot with the same accuracy as OV and almost as much power. He also has the playmaking ability of Backstrom, but only about 90% of his vision.

I don't think people realize how much of OV's scoring prowess is due completely to Backstrom.
- FlyersSteve118

If anything it's more the other way around, as I stated before, OV was a goal scoring machine from the start, without backstrom... Backstrom seen as an great passer would take a hit with about the 20 or so less assist he'd get a year without having OV's cannon to throw it too at any point. Im sorry but Brouwer or (frank)ing Ward aren't gonna score the goals OV does, PP or not.

How come top goal scorers don't seem to get to cups these days, but Selke winners tend to get there?
- PhillySportsGuy

Lightning should trade Stamkos for Couturier.

Giroux is more of a mix between OV and Backstrom. He has an incredible shot with the same accuracy as OV and almost as much power. He also has the playmaking ability of Backstrom, but only about 90% of his vision.
- FlyersSteve118

I'm sorry, I can't go with you there. Giroux does not shoot the puck anywhere near as well as Ovechkin does.

How much is haggs cap number? Havent seen it anywhere
- Just5

Has it even been mentioned?

Lightning should trade Stamkos for Couturier.
- PLindbergh31

Apples and oranges. Couts isnt in Bergerons class and Stamkos is better than Ovechkin.

If anything it's more the other way around, as I stated before, OV was a goal scoring machine from the start, without backstrom... Backstrom seen as an great passer would take a hit with about the 20 or so less assist he'd get a year without having OV's cannon to throw it too at any point. Im sorry but Brouwer or (frank)ing Ward aren't gonna score the goals OV does, PP or not.
- Yosimar89

God bless Troy Brouwer and Joel Ward, but scoring 20-plus against third pairs isn't quite the same as what Ovechkin's getting every night

Lightning should trade Stamkos for Couturier.
- PLindbergh31

Lightining should keep Stamkos, and find another way to get a player similar to Couturier.

If anything it's more the other way around, as I stated before, OV was a goal scoring machine from the start, without backstrom... Backstrom seen as an great passer would take a hit with about the 20 or so less assist he'd get a year without having OV's cannon to throw it too at any point. Im sorry but Brouwer or (frank)ing Ward aren't gonna score the goals OV does, PP or not.
- Yosimar89

I dunno, when Backstrom got hurt in 2011 -12 Ovechkin's numbers plummeted.

After 2

London - 8
Windsor - 1

Stolarz with 16 saves