With the 2008-2009 season inching closer, projections about the NHL's young stars are beginning to emerge.Believe it or not, current Hockey Night in Canada curmudgeon Don Cherry (pictured in his Sunday's best) believes that Alex Ovechkin won't repeat his 65 goal season this year.
"The Washington Capitals' Ovechkin, who led the league in goals, 65, and points, 112, took his foes by surprise last season, Cherry said. While opposing teams knew he was good, he wasn't supposed to be that good.
"He was doing things he shouldn't do. He was always cutting into the middle and he got away with it," the brash Hockey Night in Canada commentator said.
"There will be a lot of guys waiting for him this year. He's not going to be running around like a bull in a china shop."
In a way I agree with Cherry. I think Ovechkin's points will go down this season, but not because he "wasn't supposed to be that good."
If Ovechkin's point total goes down, it's because his teammates will be scoring more. Much of the 2007-2008 season rested on Ovechkin's shoulders, but players such as Mike Green emerged as goal scorers.
If anything Mr. Cherry, Ovechkin's assist total will rise while Alex Semin, Mike Green and other forwards goal totals rise.
Maybe the suit has blurred Don Cherry's ability to see talent around a star?
Good post CK! My take on Ovi's likely point totals this year: I think we'll see a decrease if his teammates' scoring drops, at least those on offense, rather than if it increases. Basically, if the 2nd and 3rd lines can be consistent scoring threats, then Ovechkin may not see opponents' top shut-down guys every shift. If the Caps' scoring always comes from Ovechkin's line (or Ovi's PP), however, then his point totals will indeed drop.
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