The theme of the OP is actually who you would choose moving forward after 2009/2010 (no hindsight), so realistically, the prior 3 years at the time would have been more indicative of the most likely future outcome. Considering that Ovechkin had won 3 straight Pearsons, and had a higher point/gp, goal/gp, hart record (with no major time missed to skew these metrics) in each of those 3 preceding years, the reasonable expectation at the time would be Ovechkin. (Team success was irrelevant, because I've already posted too much about how Ovechkin was just as good in the playoffs).
See ya.
I think after 2006 you absolutely still take Crosby over Ovechkin. It's not about his season being better, but he was 18 only so you expected him to get better, and expectations had been better prior to season too. Don't think Ovechkin's slightly better rookie season is enough to counter that.
After 2007 - this just reinforces advantages Crosby.
After 2008 - still take Crosby. Fantastic season by Ovi - the best of both - but Crosby was 1a to 1b in the scoring race till he got injured. After his ross season. And rebound by leading playoff scoring. As good as Ovi's season was - I think you still take Crosby pretty easily moving forward.
2009 it gets tricky. That's second season in a row where Ovechkin is better. Crosby was still pretty great - but he was outscored slightly. He did have a fantastic playoffs, and won the cup in a great performance - but Ovechkin did very well in playoffs too. Still - there
is merit in actually winning the cup, especially as captain and so young. Is Ovi's second back to back season better enough to think he's the better choice moving forward?
2010 it gets even harder. Ovechkin again had the better full season - but Crosby did channel a fantastic pace to end the season, I think numbers were posted in thread earlier. So although Ovechkin won Pearson, Crosby had so much momentum and was outperforming him slightly at end of season. He also had the huge moment at the Olympics - and Ovechkin was coming off a disappointing playoff loss (where yes, individually he performed well - but like it or not star players do get linked to team success). Crosby's team also had a disappointing playoff loss - but after a cup and finals back to back, it stands out a bit less.
I think all the way to the end of 2008 - you take Crosby moving forward easily (unless you're one of those who expected Ovechkin to be better all along, that might be different, but I assume that's a minority).
After 2009 and after 2010 - pro and con's for choosing both players.