As an avid hockey fan – and loud mouth – I’m often asked for my opinion. Normally I’m more than happy to answer any questions pertaining to hockey. However, there’s a few that I’m sometimes reluctant to discuss.


My least favorite topic is theoretical trades. Nobody ever gets it right – and neither do I. The most ridiculous one I’ve seen so for was on HFboards.com: McCabe, Ponikarovsky, White, and a 3rd round pick for Brian Gionta and Patrick Elias. I’d like to explain why this is stupid but I haven’t the time or patience.


Next is anything to do with Mats Sundin. I’ve beaten the topic to death in videos and blogs, and so has everybody else.


Finally, the one I have never addressed is the much debated Crosby vs. Ovechkin argument. Mainly because it’s silly.


At some point, every guy has been hanging out with a few buddies and been asked something along the lines of, “Who’s hotter: Angelina Jolie or Scarlett Johansson?”


I cringe to think how many readers are seriously pondering that question at this very moment. But my response is simple: they’re both incredibly beautiful in their own right. I guess it depends on what you’re into.


In a similar sense, but not quite as aesthetically pleasing to the eye, what team in the NHL wouldn’t want either one of Crosby or Ovechkin? One is the best playmaker in the league, the other is the best goal-scorer. And while Crosby can score too, Ovechkin has set up his fair share of highlight reel plays himself.


Of course, both these players being available at the same time is about as likely as lightning striking a winning lottery ticket. But what if by some divine miracle you had the option to sign either one of these superstars? Would it not make more sense to look at your needs first?


For example, imagine Crosby on Atlanta, Calgary or Columbus. Can’t you just see Sid the Kid feeding Ilya Kovalchuk, Jarome Iginla, or Rick Nash tasty passes all day long? Each one of those teams would improve exponentially overnight.


But what about Crosby on Boston, San Jose or the Rangers? Those teams already have guys like Savard, Thornton, Drury, and Gomez up the middle. Why not go for Ovechkin instead? If you paired him up with Savard, I dare say the Bruins could drag themselves from 8th in the East to 1st in their division over the Habs. He has that kind of impact, and with a playmaker of Savard’s caliber, Ovechkin’s threat down the wing would be even more undeniable then it already is; not to take anything away from Niklas Backstrom of course.


The fact is, any team in the league, regardless of their situation, would be better with either of these guys. But then again, they’d be even better if they focused on their needs. Compatibility aside, I’ve still managed to avoid the inevitable question up to this point…


Who’s the better player? My argument thus far has been, “who cares?” I still feel that way, but what the hell, let’s go for it: Ovechkin. He’s the most thrilling player to watch in the NHL and he’s the best goal-scorer. Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timonen “held” Ovechkin to “just” four goals and five assists for nine points in seven playoff games, and was heralded as the guy who finally shut Ovechkin down. Holy crap. Really? I’d hate to see what his stats are like when he’s left wide open.


I doubt many would argue the fact that Ovechkin has more individual talent than Sidney Crosby. But to counter my own argument in favor of Ovechkin, hockey is a team sport. Crosby, as I’ve stated earlier, is the best playmaker in hockey. So if you’d like to counter my argument, there’s your material.


The fact is, there’s no right answer here. And if you think either is coming your team’s way any time soon, you’re dreaming.


http://ca.youtube.com/user/SteveDangle