Ovechkin Guarantees Sweep?
Jesse Marshall | Pittsburgh Penguins
May 6, 01:55 PM | Hype this story!
With the Penguins trailing the Capitals 2-0 in the series and preparing to the take the ice at home for the first time, Alexander Ovechkin might have given them a little more motivation today.
In an interview with CANOE Sports in Canada, Ovechkin subtly predicted that the Capitals would do some celebrating after finishing their trip to Pittsburgh.
“We want to move forward,” Ovechkin said. “After the fourth game, there’ll be a little celebration, but right now, nothing.”
Really, Alex? After the fourth game?
Not much the Penguins can do about the situation; Ovechkin has 4 goals in 2 games and single-handedly ruined the Penguins chances of winning game 2.
As we’ve been discussing, this series has now become a match filled with a little hatred. This ought to fuel those feelings for the Penguins, although their biggest motivation ought to be the fact that they’ve out-played the Capitals twice with nothing to show for it.
If you weren’t already amped for tonight’s game, just re-read the quote a couple of times.
The Penguins are going to have to gut their way back into the series, and it starts tonight.
If the Capitals are really that sure of themselves, they’re in big trouble.
Comments
Jon
May 6, 02:00 PM
He is just a tad cocky. And everyone is saying how great his goals have been…. but two of his game 2 goals were the results of incredibly poor Penguins D leaving Ovechkin wide open and a clear interference call. Put any decent goal scorer in the same position and chances are they will score.
Mike Adams
May 6, 02:29 PM
I am likely in the minority here, but I suspect what he meant was, “after we win four games,” or “after the fourth win.” He’s not exactly fluent in English, you know?
Matt Bodenschatz
May 6, 02:51 PM
Regardless of what he meant, that is what he said. The Penguins need to use this as motivation to play him tough and to play 60 minutes of aggressive hockey.
Jesse Marshall
May 6, 03:14 PM
Mike,
I don’t know. That isn’t what he said. He’s much more fluent than Malkin is. I think he was making a bit of a snarky comment there.
Andrew Rothey
May 6, 03:24 PM
I think if the Pens need things like this for motivation, they will be swept easily. This is the NHL playoffs and a chance for a Cup. Anyone that needs further motivation should find a different job.
And I agree, I highly doubt he was implying that he predicted or guarentees a sweep. This is completely a non-story for me.
Pens1967
May 6, 03:26 PM
Ovie needs the Sid-bot software installed. LOL!
Mike Wilson
May 6, 03:28 PM
As all of us writers converge on one language issue, I agree with Matt. Regardless of what he meant, that is what he said. And we can take it however we want.
Even if he’s not guarenteeing a sweep, he’s guarenteeing a series win. So we still have something to fire us up. And it’s not that the Pens necessarily need that, but it sure helps to add fuel to the fire.
Paging Orpik. Paging Cooke. Paging Kunitz.
Matt Bodenschatz
May 6, 03:43 PM
@Andrew, many professional teams use “bulletin board material” as motivation to play better. The Steelers long have used the underdog, “no respect” card to their advantage. It doesn’t mean the players should find a new job, it means they are doing their job correctly. The playoffs are long and rigorous. Finding ways to get up for individual games can be tough — especially when down 2-0. As for his specific comment, regardless of what he meant, he said the wrong thing. That’s rarely a good situation.
@Mike, “adding fuel to the fire” is a nice way to put it. Maybe the Penguins have been “up” for the series…but this certainly should ramp it to another level.
Andrew Rothey
May 6, 04:47 PM
I highly doubt that Ovechkin’s comment, however one wants to interpret it, will have any actual tangible effect on the ice (just as I doubt it ever had any real effect for the Steelers).
If the embarassment of falling into a 3-0 death sentence in the most hyped series in recent NHL memory is not enough motivation, your team never stood a chance in the first place.
Matt Bodenschatz
May 6, 05:06 PM
I guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree. Bulletin board material has been mentioned by many pro teams in many pro sports. Whether it actually serves as motivation can only be answered by players on those teams. And I’d venture to guess many players on those teams take it differently, as all are individuals.
DaBich
May 6, 08:02 PM
Andrew, the “man” mentality immediately jumps on slights and provocation. Hockey players are no different. AO’s comments WILL give our players some spark. Watch and see. After all, they ARE men :)
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