Alexander Ovechkin vs. Sidney Crosby

Recently, Washington Capitals' superstar Ovechkin has become the main man for the NHL. Starting this year, ESPN has been discussing his goals and highlights more than any other player, even the ever popular Sidney Crosby. There are many reasons Ovechkin has reached this status of popularity. Ovechkin is the most prolific scorer in the NHL, has a great comedic personality, and makes sure his presence his known with his flamboyant celebrations. He also happens to have won the Hart Trophy for most valuable player for the NHL. Causal fans tend to fall in love with goal scoring stars who flaunt their achievements like Ovechkin does. However, is he really the best player in the NHL? Sidney Crosby would like to disagree. Crosby and Ovechkin were previously media formulated rivals, but in recent months have gotten in confrontations and traded words. These two are forming a real rivalry; one like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson but with animosity. Although both are only in their third seasons, Crosby and Ovechkin's resumes are already ones other players would envy. However, despite what ESPN and popular outlets may try to convey, Crosby's resume is better. 

Ovechkin's resume runs great. He beat Crosby for the Calder Trophy (best rookie) in his first season and won the Art Ross (most points), Lester B. Pearson (Most outstanding player as voted by peers), and the Maurice Richard Trophy (most goals) with the MVP last season. Those numbers are nothing to scoff at. Unfortunately, he has yet to win one playoff round. While one can argue that depends on his team, one expects the MVP and best player to lift his team to the next level comes playoff time. That is what makes Crosby better than Ovechkin. Crosby, who also happens to be two years younger, has also won the Art Ross, Lester B. Pearson, and Hart Trophy; he happens to be the youngest in NHL history to win the first two. Crosby is not as good a goal scorer as Ovechkin but he is a great passer with excellent hockey knowledge and vision. Those are the skills he used to carry his Penguins to the playoffs two years in a row and the finals last year. He is also a good leader, becoming the youngest player to captain a team for a whole season. Crosby has put up more points per game, has a better playoff record, and is a better leader than Ovechkin.

While Ovechkin is a great player and may be one of the best scorers in NHL history, the recent claims that he is the best player in the NHL remain unjustified until he proves himself in the upcoming playoffs.