Bobby Clarke: He's the best player in the game right now

The Edmonton Journal, Apr. 13, 2008:

When asked Friday how many points he had in his NHL debut, Clarke didn't have to think long.

"None. I don't think our team scored a goal in our four straight losses to the Blackhawks (1970-71)," said the Hall of Famer, who watched Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals get two points in his coming-out party, which was no surprise to Clarke.

"He's the best player in the game right now," said Clarke, trying to put a finger on who Alex the Great reminds him of.

"How about Mark Messier because of his strength?" somebody asks.

"Yeah, maybe, but I think Ovechkin has more talent than Mark did."

Not exactly a low-profile comment, but Clarke, who was wowed by Messier the first time he saw the baby bull in the 1980 Edmonton Oilers-Flyers playoff, seldom ducks a question.

Jokes aside and skipping Clarke's horrible job as GM, what a great player he was himself. That toothless smile, he was very charismatic on his own way. You know what? He has some similarities with Ovechkin. Ooops, I said that. :)

Are you ready to rumble?

Go, Ovechkin!
Go! Go! Ovechkin!