http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/s ... d=tab5pos2
How close is Evgeni Malkin to Sidney Crosby?
I have a new favorite player to watch skate in the NHL, and he is Evgeni Malkin. Malkin gallops more than he skates. If Barbaro were alive and ice-skating, he would look like Evgeni Malkin.
The 21-year-old forward is a thoroughbred. I know his nickname is "Geno," but it should be "Secretariat" or "Man o' War," or "Mr. Ev" or something with an equine touch. Watching Malkin gallop is watching possibility. His effort in Montreal on Saturday night was an exercise in will. His two goals and an assist Monday against the Capitals cemented his status as a top
.2. The "Big O" for MVP?
Let the "Ovechkin for MVP" talk begin! If No. 8 scores 60 goals and the Capitals win the Southeast Division to make the playoffs, Ovechkin has to be a strong candidate for the Hart Trophy. Right now, Detroit defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom is the MVP in my mind. Flames captain Jarome Iginla is another finalist. With Crosby on the injured reserve, the third finalist spot is wide open and Ovechkin could walk right in.
He is a giant ball of positive energy. Tinted visor, yellow skate laces, "Hee Haw" teeth, and the strings from his hockey pants flapping in the breeze from his locomotive skating. A unique artist. He leads with enthusiasm, fearlessness and empathy. At the end of Monday's overtime against the Penguins, Quintin Laing sacrificed his life by blocking two shots during the Penguins' power play. The Capitals killed the power play and forced the shootout. After the horn sounded, Ovechkin skated right over to the bench and tapped Laing, and then the rest of the penalty-killing unit, on the helmet. He is just as happy for others as he is for himself. His joy is a gift and he is lifting his teammates with his play and spirit. That is an MVP
Crazy Leaf fans
