The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Washington Capitals and their 1-4-1 record this year. The Caps, somehow, are struggling mightily under new coach Adam Oates. Alexander Ovechkin, once a demi-god, is now saddled with Jay Beagle and Joey Crabb as linemates. This is obviously where I remind everyone what a beast Kessel was with Crabb on his wing. He did get off the mark with a vintage goal the other night but I think it's clear that his best days are behind him. Although, not for the reasons that some morons might suggest:
So many facepalms. MT @tonymarinaro: Ovechkin much better between 20-25 years of age then 26, 27. not because of injury #Interesting #Fishy
— Becca H (@BeccaH_JR) January 25, 2013
Of course he's not reaching the heights of his youth! That is the case for almost any player. Gretzky never matched his peak from 23-25, Lemieux's best years were his 22 and 23 years, and the observed peak age for production is 25 years old. He's not slowing down because of anything fishier than the fact that time has passed. Once upon a time he was a huge draw. I remember friends and I getting tickets specifically to see him play the first few times in Toronto. Since then, it hasn't even been a consideration. The Capitals also don't have a Saturday night Hockey Night in Canada game this year. I asked the question on Twitter and got a lot of similar stories. Where once they went to see Ovechkin play they now go see the Capitals.
Of course, Ovie loves playing the Leafs so we can always count on that. Like in this classic game when @Ryantologist, SkinnyFish, Chemmy and I hit the Leafs game up and almost got murdered by Jason Chimera.
Lines and Defence Pairings
Toronto Maple Leafs
JVR-Bozak-Kessel
McClement-Grabbo-Kulemin
Frattin-Kadri-Komarov
Hamilton-Steckel-Orr
Kostka-Phaneuf
Gunnar-Liles
Franson-Fraser
Reimer
Scrivens
Pressbox: Komisarek
IR: Brown and MacArthur
Washington Capitals
Oveckin-Beagle-V.v.V
Wolski-Backstrom-Brouwer
Chimera-Ribeiro-Ward
Hendricks-Perreault-Fehr
Alzner-Green
Erskine-Carlson
Schultz-Kundratek
Neuvirth
Holtby