Though it was not shocking, it was still newsworthy that Alexander Ovechkin formally announced that this will be his final NHL campaign.
As a Penguins fan, I spent most of my childhood hating Ovechkin. He stole a Calder from Crosby pretty much entirely on the heels of an incredibly lucky goal against the Coyotes. He spent his younger years consistently head-hunting Malkin and taking cheap shots at Sid any chance he could. He was worthy of the hatred, despite the Penguins consistently pummeling his teams in the playoffs.
However, as everyone has aged, the respect levels have risen. Ovi and Sid, even Ovi and Geno, formed friendly bonds with one another. The competitiveness never faded between the three most dominant players of their era, but the hatred seemed to subside. From a fan’s perspective, the same thing occurred.
I applauded Ovi for breaking the goal-scoring record, and I will be in the building to bid him adieu when he makes his final trip to Pittsburgh. The Crosby versus Ovechkin rivalry might have legitimately saved the sport of hockey, so for that we should all be thankful.
Now, it does seem like interesting timing for Ovi to retire. I think he is well aware that a better Russian goal scorer is beginning to take over the league. I am not sure Ovi can handle being in the shadow of the great Egor Chinakhov.
