Alex the Grating: Ovechkin Needs to Act Like the Superstar He Is

Alex Ovechkin crafted a dominant performance in a pivotal game last night at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, helping his Washington Capitals to a slump-breaking 6-3 decision over the Penguins. His energy, physicality and irrepressible talent were on display, showing why many around the sport of hockey are deeming him the Best Player in the World. Ovechkin's raw human magnetism is strong enough to draw in the elusive casual fan, plus his unique combination of skills is intriguing to hockey fans of any tenure. Essentially, the man has everything going for him. Everything, it seems, except a modicum of self-control. In the interest of full disclosure, I admit that I am an avid follower of the Penguins for more than a decade. Thus, I have an interest in Sidney Crosby proving that the Calder Trophy voters of 2006 got it wrong when they handed Ovechkin the prize for the NHL's top first-year player. I am also emotionally invested in the Penguins staying on the top of ... (link)