Gretzky is praising Kovalev

[Hidious 0]

Crosby.

[Thockey17 1]

ovechkin for sure, but who else?

Just about every NHL'er that isnt a household name.

[TBLfan 25]

That's right. Most of these guys with a lot of heart are no-name guys. I have to guess that most superstars have been soo used to not having to try that they get somewhat lazy.

[ean 0]

I've seen him play plenty of times, I've seen his skill set. If he was going 100% all the time, he'd be the best in the game. I've never seen him hustle all game, nothing more than a few shifts here and there.

he's almost 35 years old man, it's a little hard to be able to go 100% all game long in NHL at that age

Shanahan?

[kosydar 0]

Chelios?

[NoAngleDangler 0]

+1 for Cheli

[Gongshow11 1]

Funny thing about the Hart talk... If he had HEART he would be the best player in the game right now.

actually TBLfan if you watched the habs consistently like a lot of us in this thread have, then you would see kovalev is playing with heart. He blocks shots, plays pk, and dominates the PP. He has over 30 pts on the PP this year. I admit in years past he hadnt done much in montreal, except for the fake hand injury and then single handedly winning that series afterwards. I don't ever comment n the lightning because i never watch them, i have no interest to, but when a man like Wayne Gretzky praises the ability, skill, desire, devotion,a nd HEART of kovalev, i'll take his side over yours. It's a shame most people don't see how good he is, or how hard he tries. Hes 35 and it says a lot when on a PP teams will not go near him in fear of him making them look sick. I agree with kovy feds that kovalev is one of the best players in the league this year, and has shown up every night with heart.

[TBLfan 25]

I've seen him play, he's never played with heart. I've watched him play this season, he phones in half his shifts(in the games I've watched).

That comment wasn't meant to stir crap. I've said numerous times that he's ridiculously talented. But I've never seen him give 100%.

[kosydar 0]

Why does it matter what Gretz says? Obviously he is the greatest ever, etc., but I don't think that means anything right now. Given his role in the hockey community, especially now as a coach, I doubt he'll ever dog a player or give anything less than a positive review of someone. Do you ever hear coaches talk shit about opposing players when asked? Never. Its always "he is a talented player", "he is one of the best in the league", "he works hard every shift and we're going to have to contain him", and the like. It isn't Gretz's position (or his personality) to say anything negative about a player. Him praising him in an interview does not sell me on anything. And before anyone brings it up, this has nothing to do with Kovy himself. Its just about who this is coming from.

[TBLfan 25]

...and we're talking about the guy that says that composite sticks are bad and thermablades are AMAZING.

[ean 0]

Why does it matter what Gretz says? Obviously he is the greatest ever

You answered your own question. :D

[Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3]

Anyone who can't see who good Kovalev is this year doesn't know much about hockey.

[mack 44]

Great year, no doubt about that, but it's frustrating and sad to see him taking the better part of a decade to have one.

[mrusse01 0]

Malkin has been the best player I've seen in the NHL this year, I don't know why he has vanished from any MVP talk.

[TBLfan 25]

Because he wasnt there before crosby got hurt then vanished when Crosby came back into the lineup?

[mack 44]

With 3 apples in the last game?

[TBLfan 25]

I didnt say he wasn't good, but he dropped off the chart again when Crosby came back. I think that killed the MVP talks.

Personally, my vote goes to Ovechkin, followed by Malkin. Malkin/Conklin put the Pens where they are, if it wasnt for Malkins play when Crosby went down the Pens would be on the outside looking in, instead of where they are now.

[mack 44]

I wasn't saying that you weren't saying he's good but I don't think he's completely fallen off anything. He has like 90+ points and to me it's a toss-up between he and Ovechkin for the MVP, but Ovechkin should be a no-brainer if the Caps make the playoffs.

[TBLfan 25]

Honestly, I think that making the playoffs is overrated when it comes to MVP voting. Yes, it's awesome if you make the playoffs but Ovechkin has clearly been the best player on the Caps and if it wasn't for Kolzig and just some decent role guys the Caps would be HORRIBLE. Kozlov and Ovechkin are the only ones on the team with a +/- of over 6. They have more players with a negative +/- than with a positive. When you watch the Caps they all feed off of Ovechkin. You take away Ovechkin and you have a team that is last place... Even worse than my Bolts!!!

But we're getting waaay off-topic here.

[chippa13 1844]

Tough to win MVP with this argument: "If it weren't for that guy, we wouldn't have snagged the 11th spot in the conference."

[TBLfan 25]

Makes it easier if the arguement is: "If it wasn't for that guy, we wouldn't have a shot at competing in the division."

It's most valueable player not most successful team.

[chippa13 1844]

Makes it easier if the arguement is: "If it wasn't for that guy, we wouldn't have a shot at competing in the division."

It's most valueable player not most successful team.

That would be fine if it wasn't the Southeast division. Seriously, I think one of my beer league teams could compete for the Southeast crown.

[cxo 0]

But how valuable was a player really, if his team didn't go anywhere during the season?