Ovechkin – Hero or Villain?

Alexander Ovechkin is the best goal scorer in the NHL bar none. However, the lovable body checking, goal scoring Russian superstar has made some choices that may have tarnished his reputation.

Exhibit A – Hot Stick

No one likes a showboat. The “hot stick” celebration lacks class. He doesn’t need to do this, we get it. He’s really, really good. No reason to be an ass.

Exhibit B – Knee-on-knee with Sergei Gonchar

This is a potentially career ending hit on fellow Russian Sergei Gonchar. Thankfully Gonchar returned and the Pens went on to win the Stanley Cup. Retributive justice perhaps. Accidents happen sometimes. No biggie. It’s not like he’ll do it again, right?

Exhibit C – Knee-on-knee with Tim Gleason

If that’s not enough, here are some more.

Exhibit D – A compilation of Ovechkin’s dirty plays

Ovechkin should not be known for knee-on-knee hits, slew footing, and hits from behind. He should be known partially for his fantastic body checks, and mainly for his highlight reel goals, heck I’m even ok with the showboating if he stops taking people out at the knees. If he continues to play dirty, he’ll fall into the realm of Michael Jackson fame. Do we love Michael Jackson for his music or hate him because he’s a pedophile? As for Ovechkin, do we love him for his amazing goals or hate him because he’s a dirty player? Let’s hope his incredible career isn’t tarnished by his dirtiness.

TSN’s Top 10 Ovechkin goals.

What are your thoughts on Ovechkin? Do you love him? Do you hate him? Do you think he’s a dirty player?