Ryan Wilson: Where the NHL screwed up marketing Sidney Crosby vs. Alexander Ovechkin Where the NHL screwed up marketing Sidney Crosby vs. Alexander Ovechkin

The NHL was a bit half-hearted in their attempts to market Sid v. Ovi but if you remember,

1) many people in the league were disappointed the teams didn't meet in the playoffs after 2009 (until this year)

2) the 2011 winter classic (that eroded Sid's prime) was largely the result of wanting to see them go head to head

Its ok Matthews thumps both Ovi and Crosby according to TSN and Sportsnet.

I should request RW blogs more often... that was under an hour from my pointing it out

Its ok Matthews thumps both Ovi and Crosby according to TSN and Sportsnet.
- SRam19

I should request RW blogs more often... that was under an hour from my pointing it out
- Guile

ye ye get back under a rock now rw's alt

At one time Ovie kept trying to take off Malkins head on the ice. It was crazy. The Sid. VS Ovie thing is so yesterday in my book. Two completely different styles. That said 2009 was very special as they tried to dominate in the playoffs. I never will forget Ovie's knee on Gonchar. I was at that game and it happened right in front of us. We all wanted to kill Ovie!!! 😊😃

At one time Ovid kept trying to take off Malkins head on the ice. It was crazy. The Sid. S Ovie thing is so yesterday in my book. Two completely different styles. That said 2009 was very special as they tried to dominate in the playoffs. I never will forget Obie's knee on Gonchar. I was at that game and it happened right in front of us. We all wanted to kill Ovie!!! 😊😃
- powerhouse

Gonch still on our coaching staff? I havn't heard him being mentioned for anything at all this season with our young D.

Last year he was mentioned a number of times regarding Lovejoy, Schultz, and a bit with Cole.

This is somewhat disappointing because Ovechkin has been one of the few players able to hit the 50 goal mark and if he can’t do it, who can?

At one time Ovie kept trying to take off Malkins head on the ice. It was crazy. The Sid. VS Ovie thing is so yesterday in my book. Two completely different styles. That said 2009 was very special as they tried to dominate in the playoffs. I never will forget Ovie's knee on Gonchar. I was at that game and it happened right in front of us. We all wanted to kill Ovie!!! 😊😃

It was more entertaining for everyone when they both disliked each other.

Crosby is clearly the better player now. Ovechkin is still very good though.

Its ok Matthews thumps both Ovi and Crosby according to TSN and Sportsnet.
- SRam19

ya....not even the calder this year

Crosby is clearly the better player now. Ovechkin is still very good though.
- Thehabsfan93

Ovie always as slow starts... he will be a force in the second half I'm sure !

Ovie always as slow starts... he will be a force in the second half I'm sure !
- Xizord

Crosby also had a slow start last season.. .

Ovie always as slow starts... he will be a force in the second half I'm sure !
- Xizord

Yep he'll get his 50 goals, will have 6 of the top 10 goal celebrations and will play for Russia in the World championships while Crosby plays for the cup in the spring.

Crosby also had a slow start last season.. . [] [] []

(frank) Mike Johnston

The NHL is horrible at marketing it's stars. I couldn't believe that the Pens/Oilers game was only covered locally.. Any other sport that had two stars equivalent to Crosby/McDavid facing off against each other would have been promoted fiercely, and deservedly so. That game was incredible and should have been shown in bigger markets than just Pittsburgh/Edmonton. Best Sport, Worst League.

Ovie always as slow starts... he will be a force in the second half I'm sure !
- Xizord

Yeah, that is because he parties too much throughout the offseason and has to use the regular season to get into shape. Imagine how good he would be if he worked out like Crosby in the offseason.

Yeah, that is because he parties too much throughout the offseason and has to use the regular season to get into shape. Imagine how good he would be if he worked out like Crosby in the offseason.
- PghPens668771

Imagine if they both worked out like Matthews, they would be running the toronto headlines.

I disagree about the benefits of having Sestito in the lineup tonight.
In the first match-up between the teams, he challenged and fought Wilson.
Wilson was as quiet as a mouse afterward.
Ovechkin was quiet from the outset that night.
The only real cheapshot from that game was Williams suplexing Malkin's neck into the boards.
That's not a typical Williams thing to do. Just sort of happened in the heat of the moment.
I believe the Capitals know that Sestito is willing and able to defend his teammates. It's that simple. They get the message.

I disagree about the benefits of having Sestito in the lineup tonight.
In the first match-up between the teams, he challenged and fought Wilson.
Wilson was as quiet as a mouse afterward.
Ovechkin was quiet from the outset that night.
The only real cheapshot from that game was Williams suplexing Malkin's neck into the boards.
That's not a typical Williams thing to do. Just sort of happened in the heat of the moment.
I believe the Capitals know that Sestito is willing and able to defend his teammates. It's that simple. They get the message.
- iglooz

I agree man, I have no problem with him getting a sweater against the caps.. It should keep them honest to an extent but we will see.. The players are on record supporting his presence as well so whats not to like.

I agree man, I have no problem with him getting a sweater against the caps.. It should keep them honest to an extent but we will see.. The players are on record supporting his presence as well so whats not to like.
- MitchW

Sestito hasn't been the worst this season. I'd prefer that Kuhnhackl or Wilson play but this team is so stacked top to bottom that not throwing out your best lineup once in a while won't kill us as long as we don't make a habit out of it.

If you ask me there is way to many casual hockey fans as it is. NHL hockey is exciting when two teams that aren't littered with talent go head to head. I find close chess match type of games just as interesting and exciting as Sid and Ovie both having hat tricks. Some people just aren't hockey people.
Sestito with the 1st goal tonight.

I expect him to dress against teams like Washington, Columbus, N.Y. Rangers etc....

Being on the ice for a goal against is different than plus/minus. Overall goal differential > Plus/Minus

Im sorry this is the last time I will touch on this topic Jboyd but I actually looked something up this time.

"Plus/Minus is a stat used to measure a players goal differential in ice hockey"