Ovechkin IS NOT A BIG GAME PLAYER.
That being said, if Washington turns around and wins the cup next year, especially if he plays well, I could be singing another tune.
Man, the same can be said for Rick Nash. Both he and Alex are top scorers during the regular season and when the playoffs come around, it's crickets... at least for Nash. It was like that last year for him... Krieder and Brassard seem to be carrying the team in the playoffs with 5 goals each with Stepan (3) doing some crucial goals. Nash has 2, but should be more by expectation. I think losing Zuccarello hurt the team, but you have to play with who you have and step the game up.
Just looked at the stats of Lundquist and Holtby to see how they matched up.
Goals Against:
2nd Lundquist 1.60
3rd Holtby 1.71
Save %
Tied in second place at .944
That shows how close it is. I still think the Caps are the Rangers' worst opponent. It's not going to take long before the Caps get their number and beat them.
He remarkably improved his 2-way game this year. I think that helped him and outside opinion of him overall this year.
Yeah, I remember during the Olympics last year how the commentators were bashing Alex for having a one-dimensional game... essentially sit in a spot, wait for the pass and shoot. That his defense was lazy at times. Maybe someone has given him the motivational talk about wanting it bad and earning it, maybe it's worked... especially if he is seeing how his team is developing and improving along with him, it'll go a long way. And I'm glad to see that Holtby's confidence wasn't shattered by the Caps' tactics of the rotating starting goalie line-up last year (I believe). I know the Rangers used to have their way with him a few years ago that I was surprised he was kept on. So it's good to see a player improve his game even if it's a bit nerve-wracking when my team plays against his.
But, if the Rangers want to take it all, they definitely need to get their scoring improved.
Also, I respect any goalie that stands in the way of any shot of Ovechkin's. I saw him score last year at a Blues game and man, those are bullets.
