b-mad said:
Player: Ovechkin
Comparisson: Sakic
I'm really interested to know what you see between these two Mizral.
Ovechkin is one of those guys that I've been watching for a while now. It all started back in 2002 in the Vancouver Sun when Gary Mason (writer for the Sun) made a trip to Russia and did several articles, one was a full page on potential future superstar Alexandre Ovechkin. From then on I've watched what I can of him (seen nearly every clip posted on this website, WJC games, and read up quite a bit on Russianprospects.com, even talked to a Russian scout in regards to him).
While Sakic is not a perfect example, let me tell you exactly why I like the comparison better than any other:
- Both have exceptionally quick shots. I would say Sakic has the quickest release in the entire NHL, and Ovechkin's release is very similar.
- Both are exceptionally modest and professional off the ice. Ovechkin mimics Sakic's manerisms off the ice in many ways.
- Ovechkin, like Sakic, is an equal opportunity offensive player - this is why I do not think he's much like Forsberg in particular. About half the time, Sakic will shoot, the other half he'll pass. Forsberg at times tries to force the pass a little much. Ovechkin is more like Sakic here, in that he seems to pass and shoot about an equal amount of times on offensive forays, which makes him especially dangerous.
- Both play a 'simple' game on the ice. This isn't to say they aren't creative, but they don't try to deke through players when it's unnecessary. Neither player is scared of dumping and chasing.
Ovechkin is bigger and will be more physical than Sakic, and Sakic seems to have exceptional leadership qualities that I haven't yet seen from Ovechkin (he didn't step up and lead as much as we hoped at the WJC's for instance). So there are some differences there as well. However, I like Sakic as a comparison the best for those reasons above.