Crosby so far;above amazing

[Scott]

Right now he is 12th in points and climbing.
Any Ovechkin vs. Crosby comparisons consider this..
Crosby has had to overcome so much more than AO in each of their first year.
Being tagged the next one. (Leaves no where for performance to go but down)
Having 2 teamates retire.
Team being up for sale.
No help from teamates either scoring or protection. (AO atleast has some better support)

Coach being fired, the other coach still may not be the answer.

The treatment he has been getting from the refs.
Far more line combos than AO has had to deal with.

AO has just been able to go and play hockey.
Crosby on top of the above mentioned, has also been labled the savior of the league. (no pressure there)

Yet through this all, he may very well win the ROY when all 82 have been played.

Either way, Sidney has not only lived up to the hype, he has done it with King King on his back.

[yeltzen]

Lundqvist and Ovechkin have both been more impressive.

[MrKnowNothing]

Lundqvist and Ovechkin have both been more impressive.

All three of them are amazing and roughly the same.

I would agree with your statement technically, but also keep in mind that Crosby is 18 and has not played in any pro league before. His jump was greater than Ovechkin's or Lundqvist's, both of whom played at least a few years in pro leagues in Europe.

That doesn't take away anything from Ovechkin or Lundqvist, but it's something to keep in mind when comparing those two with Crosby.

If the Calder was awarded today, it's a very close race between all three. I think Ovechkin has a slight edge right now, but any of them could easily win it and will deserve it.

[netwolf]

Lundquist might be as deserving (Phaneuf and Svatos as well), but barring significant injuries, I don't see how Ovechkin or Crosby doesn't take that award.

Right now, I'd have to go with Ovechkin but what Crosby is doing as an 18 year old is darned impressive. The two years of experience and physical maturity is a HUGE advantage though.

One thing is certain, it will be a great race. :mrgreen:

[penny lane]

Henrik Lundqvist, as a penguin, would not have the success he is currently enjoying. AO &
Sid moved to other teams would have success; if playing in NY, points would come but maybe not as much playing time as they both get now. AO, as the pure goal scorer would
find success anywhere. Sid, passer du extroidinaire, needs a couple of wingers & a successful PP to gather in the points.

Sassy mouth et al, I'll keep Sid. when did they start naming the Calder, ROY,
after Patrick?

[Scott]

Penny, ROY= is Rookie Of the Year.

[subsonic22]

For what it's worth. I have been a Pens fan since 1974. I was also a Pens season ticket holder before I moved to Tampa a couple of years ago. I got to see the Caps and Pens play the Lightning this season. In my opinion after seeing both live, Ovechkin is by far the more impressive of the two. This guy is worth the price of admission by himself. He scored two breakaway goals against the Lightning. He also crushed some guys on clean checks. The way he carries the puck and skates through the defense must have been like watching Jim Brown run the football back in the 60's.

Crosby is more of a playmaker and has had some breathtaking assists this year{I have Center Ice } , but Ovechkin is something else when he has the puck. He is like early Jagr in that you can't legally stop him when he decides to go to the net. Sidney might be the better player in the long run, but right now it's AO. But Sid is a damn nice consolation prize.

[kovyman1127]

Sidney might be the better player in the long run, but right now it's AO. But Sid is a damn nice consolation prize.

Agree 100% Ovechkin is better now...but I have a gut feeling Sid will be better in the long run.

I think you guys are living in fantasyland if you think that 1) possible sale of the team 2) 2 players retiring (who weren't productive) 3) Being labeled the "next one" is an excuse for not being "as good" as Ovechkin has been this year. If you want to go that route, lets say Ovechkin has MORE of a disadvantage:

1) Away from his country and doesn't speak the language really well
2) Plays on a less talented team
3) Being "labeled" the greatest draft pick since Mario Lemieux

[wondermoose]

The only other play I've heard of or seen make the jump from such a low quality league to the NHL was none other than Mario Lemieux. I'm just really looking forward to how much he'll continue to grow and mature. Hell, the kid would still be in high school, and he's a freaking house. He's going to be a real physical presence by the time he's 20