Over the past two or three weeks a couple of times I had to come across his statements, in which it was not difficult to feel dissatisfaction with the current situation due to the streamlined formulations. The fact that the "Washington" with him, Ovechkin, again weaves in the tail.
And after the game in Toronto, where the Capitals suffered a fifth defeat in a row, Alexander said already, in general, bluntly: “We need to sign good players, and I hope we will do it. I want to play in a strong team. " To avoid claims for translation, we cite the original from Toronto Sun: “We have to sign good players and I hope we do. I want to play on a good team. " And further: “Do not get me wrong, we have good players, the atmosphere in the locker room is great. But the team must get better. ”
However, further it doesn’t matter. It is only so that the words do not seem taken out of context. The first phrase is so obvious that subsequent comments do not change its essence. Ovechkin is tired of being an outsider. If one wishes, one can, of course, read hope for the future in his words, but dissatisfaction with the present is no less present, that’s for sure.
And the reason for such an open protest - but how else to understand it? - not only the exchange of Zubrus. Although, to be honest, it’s clear that Ovechkin was not enthusiastic about leaving the link partner.
And after the “Toronto” there were two more defeats - from “Carolina” and “Islanders”. And, therefore, Alexander’s mood has not improved since then, even though he scored the “Islanders”.
Last season, Ovechkin was completely absorbed in his NHL debut and rivalry with Crosby for the title of best newcomer. And the fact that the results of “Washington”, at the same time, were gloomy, faded into the background. Not happy, of course, but not to say what poisoned his life.
The first half of this championship “Capitals” had a very decent fight and fought for a place in the cup eight. And Ovechkin at one time was in second place among the scorers. In January, it even seemed that he was catching up with Crosby, who was walking with a decent margin. And while everything went well for him personally, and for Washington more or less, Alexander did not speak about the need to strengthen the squad. Of course, I understood that I should, but did not voice it.
Then came February. The Capitals, together with their main jewel, have fallen into an obvious crisis. Defeat followed defeat, and Ovechkin scored points with a creak. In February, Alexander was left without points for performance in seven matches, despite the fact that in the previous four months there were only nine. And, judging by the spring start, March threatens to become even less pleasant for him. Three "bagels" are already there.
And against the background of these Washington troubles, the Pittsburgh is completely impudent in a good way. And clearly pleased with the life of Crosby, the competition with which Ovechkin did not end for himself. And it is unlikely that he is ready today to come to terms with the fact that his main rival is about to play in the playoffs, and not hang out in the backyards. Therefore, "it is necessary to sign good players." And therefore, "I want to play in a strong team." The words are very hackneyed. Stars often say something like this, being with their teams away from the playoffs. Ovechkin felt himself a star for a long time. And it’s not enough for him to be a favorite. He wants to be a winner. The normal ambitions of a strong player.
Only Washington is far from meeting Ovechkin’s ambitions. In order for the retinue to correspond with the king and make him so, either serious financial investments or time are needed. Is Alexander ready to wait? Not literally - he has nowhere to go, especially Russia, you just won’t leave for Omsk. And to wait in the sense that not to torment yourself in vain, not to look back at Crosby, but to work methodically, grow yourself and pull up the team. Next year, Backstrom should be coming from Sweden - it should already be easier. There, perhaps, Zubrus will be returned, about which conversations have already begun slowly. His youth will rise. In the meantime, it remains only to endure - such is the Enhael fate of any young star.
But to strangle the leadership of statements in the press to the stars is also not forbidden. The main thing is to know the measure.
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