Thursday, March 8, 2007

Ovy's picture after the off-season



I've posted a blog similar to this not too long ago, but with our losing ways I can't stop thinking about who will be coming our way in the off-season. Most of us already know Ovechkin loves it here in DC, but he also has stated that he would like to be apart of a team that wins. With the season shortly coming to a close, Caps management has a lot of work to do if they want to make this Capitals club semi competitive. The Caps definitely need a franchise centremen to fill up that gap in the middle.

Let's take a look at what the free agent market has to offer:

Chris Drury - Is an elite faceoff guy. Holds one of the best faceoff records in the NHL. You can't go wrong with him on the powerplay. Many of you who have seen the Buffalo Sabres play this year knows that Chris Drury is the biggest asset to a very skilled Sabres lineup.
06/07 Stats: 33 G, 24 A, 57 Pts

Pavel Datsyuk - Datsyuk is currently 7th in the league with 50 assists, an asset which would favour him playing up the middle alongside Ovechkin. If any of you were watching the Russian Elite League over the course of the lockout year would have noticed that him and Ovechkin absolutely tore it up together.
06/07 Stats: 20 G, 50 A, 70 Pts

Scott Gomez: Gomez has proven what he's capable of by playing in New Jersey for the past several years. When he's teamed up with a player that holds similar qualities as Ovechkin or Semin, he is definitely a scare to the opposing team. Also is a tremendous passer. He has 43 assists to prove it.
06/07 Stats: 10 G, 43 A, 53 Pts

Other centres that are worth mentioning but might not fit the Capitals agenda:

Daniel Briere: I really don't think he's leaving Buffalo. Also, the fued him and Ovechkin were in all season might not go too well.

Peter Forsberg: His size and strength could be useful, but if the Caps are going to spend money on a centre that will carry them into the playoff picture, I think it's best if they aren't injury prone.

Joe Sakic: I'd love to have him on the team, but similar to Daniel Briere's case in Buffalo, I highly doubt that Sakic will leave Colorado.

So with the centremen picture looking similar to what's above, I think Caps management can keep Ovechkin happy by signing one of those big name players.... preferably Pavel Datsyuk

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