In the past they have suspended players for failing to attend the game. The league already lacks the star power of Sidney Crosby , so missing Ovechkin could rub the fans the wrong way. You can view the video here. The All-Star Game, though, is less about hockey and more about marketing, which, ironically, was likely one of the main reasons Ovechkin was on the roster in the first place.
Capitals owner Ted Leonsis, not surprisingly, wasn't in favor of the league's original action against his captain. I support Alex Ovechkin. Ovechkin also said he was disappointed and noted that, as a repeat offender, harsh decisions on discipine-worthy hits will be part of the rest of his career.
My game is play hard. The Capitals and Ovechkin didn't explicitly say that the decision was made to protest the suspension, but it's not exactly a Grand Canyon-sized logical leap when Ovechkin says he "loves the game" but that "his heart is not there" due to the supplemental discipline.
Ovechkin was quoted as saying that he had to cancel vacation plans when he was somewhat surprisingly named as an all-star anyway, so now that he is suspended without pay, why shouldn't he be able to do as he was planning on doing, do what most NHL players do during the break? It's true that Ovechkin's participation in the All-Star game wasn't based on merit. He's had an underwhelming season, and the Capitals are also represented on the team by defenseman Dennis Wideman. Ovechkin is there as a gate attraction, as a star to trot out at sponsors' parties and as a walking billboard for the business interests he's paid to represent.
It's a three-day informercial for the NHL, and Ovechkin has chosen to cancel his cameo. If the NHL wanted to punish him for that decision — as we said in the Tim Thomas piece Tuesday morning, a decision that could be seen a violation of his contractual obligations , if not to the Capitals than to the NHL — we'd have no problem with it.
We'd also have no problem if the NHL would alter its rules so a suspended player can't participate in the All-Star game. Although that does risk a rash of head-shots and slew-foots on "getaway day" But they're not going to force Alex Ovechkin to attend a party he doesn't want to attend; an event his heart's not in. I covered Ovechkin at the Winter Olympics.
Trust me: The league doesn't want Bitter Ovie anywhere near All-Star weekend, despite his name brand. Enjoy your vacation, Mr. You'll be spared the embarrassment of being picked last in the NHL Fantasy Draft, and the fans in Ottawa will be spared from having to see a sullen superstar who can't own up to his actions, just like his organization can't. Other popular content on the Yahoo! Breaking down the best potential candidate and a few alternatives for the seven current head coach openings in the NFL.
Draft Wire editor Luke Easterling updates his early projections for the NFL draft following the conclusion of the regular season. The Knicks have made the first big trade of , acquiring Cam Reddish from the Hawks.
He knows he is one of the main attractions so this comes off as a passive aggressive protest to the length of his suspension, which he had initially had issues with. The suspension was for an illegal hit on Zbynek Michalek of Pittsburgh , but this isn't the first time Ovechkin has been suspended for "dirty" play. Star status doesn't make you exempt from punishment.
0コメント