GR8 vs. The Kid

The Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin debate is going to rage on until one of these superstars falls off track.

Alex the GR8 and Sid the Kid have been taking the NHL by storm since they first made their debut on Oct. 5th, 2005. Ovechkin had two gaols, and 17-plus minutes of ice time in that 3-2 victory over Columbus.

Crosby? Well, he didn't fare too well in his NHL debut – recording only an assist in a 5-1 loss to New Jersey.

Both were picked #1 overall in their respective years. Both play on small-market teams. And both proved they deserved every bit of hype.

Ovechkin won the Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year) in 2006, just nudging out Crosby. The following year, Crosby won the Hart Trophy, which is given to the league MVP. Not be outdone, Ovechkin won the Hart last year.

Since coming in the league, Crosby has developed a bad, but earned, reputation of being a baby and a diver. NHL fans have dubbed him the name "Cindy." It's not uncommon to see Crosby talking (complaining) to referees about calls, or non-calls. Ovechkin on the other hand – can not have a bad word said about him from anyone.

Ovechkin will dazzle you with his moves, stun you with deadly shot, entertain you with his post-goal celebrations, but he'll also do something that Crosby will not do – knock the snot out his opponents.

Ovechkin has also earned a reputation in his short time in the league – get out of his way, or he will destroy you!

Don't get me wrong, Crosby will check, will mix in with the rough stuff, but Alex punishes players, there is no such thing as a bump, Alex finishes each-and-everyone of his checks – and makes sure his opponent remembers it.

Here's a breakdown of what each has done in the league since their debut:

Alex Ovechkin-#8-Washington Capitals

• Games - 253
• Goals - 165
• Assists - 150
• Points - 315
• Shots - 1304
• +/- 15
• Playoff Appearances - 1
• Stanley Cup appearance - 0
  
• NHL Scoring Champion 1, Hart Trophy, Calder Trophy, Lester B. Pearson Trophy

Sidney Crosby-87-Pittsburgh Penguins

• Games- 224
• Goals - 102
• Assits - 205
• Points - 307
• Shots - 738
• +/- 28
• Playoff Appearances- 2
• Stanley Cup Appearances - 1
• NHL Scoring Champion 1, Hart Trophy, Lester B. Pearson Trophy

The only thing Crosby has over Ovechkin, is that Stanley Cup finals appearance last year when the Penguins lost in six to the Detroit Red Wings.

My choice, by unanimous decision, Alexander "the GR8" Ovechkin. Hands down, the most entertaining player in hockey today.