You think Kovy is better defensively? Thats arguable. But if he is then it isnt by very much
But you can't really argue that Ovechkin is a far better hitter than Kovy... Kovy is one of the least physical guys in the league which is surprising considering his powerful build
On the other hand, Ovechkin never really hits the "Hulk rage!" level
On the other hand, Ovechkin never really hits the "Hulk rage!" level
Kovalchuk, however...
Yeah I think the Schenn thing kind of made people think he was some physical monster, and it definitely shows he has a gritty side and could probably play a more physical game, he just doesnt haha
Maybe with Parise gone he will try to fill up for the lack of physicality
Yeah I think the Schenn thing kind of made people think he was some physical monster, and it definitely shows he has a gritty side and could probably play a more physical game, he just doesnt haha
Maybe with Parise gone he will try to fill up for the lack of physicality
When he needs to Kovalchuk hits hard, plays hard along the boards, and sticks up for his teammates. Kovy is a big dude and does not get knocked off the puck too often. It would be nice if he adds more physicallity to his game but it is indeed there. The way he plays will also make him a threat in the twilight of his career.
Kovy always steps up when a teammates gets hit. He destroyed a few Panthers over the boards during the regular season during a chippy game. Obliterated Tyler Myers after Myers went after Zubrus's head. Kovalchuk took out Richards in the second home game against the Rangers in the reg. season after Richards and Cally were hitting everyone. He took the body against DelZotto which was the key play for Carters GWG in game 5. All easily searchable on youtube and there are many other examples out there.
When he needs to Kovalchuk hits hard, plays hard along the boards, and sticks up for his teammates. Kovy is a big dude and does not get knocked off the puck too often. It would be nice if he adds more physicallity to his game but it is indeed there. The way he plays will also make him a threat in the twilight of his career.
Kovy always steps up when a teammates gets hit. He destroyed a few Panthers over the boards during the regular season during a chippy game. Obliterated Tyler Myers after Myers went after Zubrus's head. Kovalchuk took out Richards in the second home game against the Rangers in the reg. season after Richards and Cally were hitting everyone. He took the body against DelZotto which was the key play for Carters GWG in game 5. All easily searchable on youtube and there are many other examples out there.
Thats kind of my point, like he could be probably a better physical player than Ovie he just doesn't really play that way consistently
Thats kind of my point, like he could be probably a better physical player than Ovie he just doesn't really play that way consistently
I agree but I would never want Kovy to hit like a machine the way Ovechkin does once in a while. Ovechkin takes a ton of abuse with some of the hits he dishes. I am happy with Kovalchuk's overall game but a little more physicality would be nice but it is not necessary.
We need Henrique to step into Parise's shoes. Obviously he will not get the same production but he plays the same exact game as Zach and who knows maybe he will put up some big numbers throughout his career.
Thats kind of my point, like he could be probably a better physical player than Ovie he just doesn't really play that way consistently
Kovalchuk's contract running until 2025. We want him to age well if possible. His physical engagement is nowhere near perfection but I'm ok to see him turning loose only for the "big games".
You think Kovy is better defensively? Thats arguable. But if he is then it isnt by very much
But you can't really argue that Ovechkin is a far better hitter than Kovy... Kovy is one of the least physical guys in the league which is surprising considering his powerful build
LOL!
Ovechkin isn't close to good as Kovy defensively. Kovalchuk is a positive PK player.
I'll take Kovalchuck, really not a fan of how OV has played the past couple of seasons. A gut feeling just tells me he's never going to return to top form. With that being said, he's still a great player when not in top form, but I think Kovy is more of a game-breaker where they currently are now.
Its really close, but I guess I would choose Kovy. I think if you take kovy and put him in the kings roster right now, he would fit in better than ovi would.
Ovechkin. Kovy has never "wowed" me the way Ovy can. He's young enough that he can still bounce back from his below-average seasons. Plus, if you put him on the Flyers, Giroux would be feeding him all day and I can see him going back to 50+ goal seasons again
Ovechkin. Kovy has never "wowed" me the way Ovy can. He's young enough that he can still bounce back from his below-average seasons. Plus, if you put him on the Flyers, Giroux would be feeding him all day and I can see him going back to 50+ goal seasons again
And you think Kovy WOULDN'T hit 50 goals being fed by Giroux?
Pens fan voting for Ovi. I'm not sure the argument for Kovalchuk > Ovi because Ovi is clearly a more elite player / scorer. I'll concede that Kovalchuk is better defensively, but in the hockey I watch, scoring goals are pretty important to win you games.
Kovi has been the better player the last 2, possibly 3 years... hard not to choose him at this point.
That being said, AO is still young enough to find his game again or elevate his game to a near level where he was before.
Two years ago, Ovie outscored him by 25. Three years ago, it was by 24. This past year was the first time since Ovie's rookie season that he didn't outscore Kovy by double digits.
When Ovie goes back to an offensive system with a healthy Backstrom and Green, he'll go back to routinely outscoring Kovy. And he'll continue to have the star power and charisma to sell season tickets and jerseys like almost no other player in the league, something no one seems to be considering here. The guy revitalized a franchise; Kovy... not so much. That's a major factor in why he's worth the extra 2.9M.
