Ovi's struggling
Watching how Ovechkin plays nowadays is like a slow torture, like a slow murder suicide. And I am not alone, after tonight's loss to Vancouver I looked at Japer's Rink's recap: Canucks 4, Caps 2, writtten by Becca H. No mentioning of Ovechkin, no such thing. Can you believe it? I don't think it ever happened before. And then I looked at Capitals Insider's Katie Carrera's blog, the same!
Not a word about the Captain! So what, ladies don't like him anymore? :-) Was he traded and am I the last person to know?
Ovi is struggling and maybe the worst thing is, you feel sorry for him. He doesn't float, he doesn't disappear, he is not absent, he is there and he tries really hard, he skates hard, he works hard. He plays physical, he hits the opponents, even got in the fight with Brandon Dubinsky, but he doesn't score anymore as he used to.
Bad luck? Maybe playing through wrist injury? Or maybe bad decisions that he made last summer?
"I know what you did last summer, Ovi!" :-(
So what happened last summer? Too much partying? I don't think so. As much partying as before in his previous years when he dominated the NHL. But two things that happened with Ovi have probably affected his performance this season.
First, he lost his personal fitness trainer Dmitri Kapitonov who was with him for the last 3 years.
2009:
Ovechkin, in turn, helped Dmitry to get a job at Moscow Dynamo hockey club:
"We signed a contract with Kapitonov for the entire next season. And we are ready to extend it right now. We hope that Dmitry came to our club for a long time, after all, he is a former marathoner. He was personally recommended to Dynamo by Alex Ovechkin. They came to my the office together. But the best recommendation for Kapitonov is his last year's work with those players. All of his wards had awesome NHL seasons", said Dynamo's president Mikhail Golovkov.
Dmitri is from St. Petersburg and with demise of Moscow Dynamo he was immediately hired along with his twin brother to work as fitness trainers for St. Petersburg's hockey club SKA.
Second was the act of God, the natural disaster, the wild fires around Moscow.
Ovi still could go to St. Petersburg and train there, unless he and Dmitri had parted ways for good, but he stayed in Moscow (Lera?). It was hard even to breathe in Moscow, nevermind to run the cross country. The conditions eventually improved, but his pre-season training obviously was not the same or as intensive as in previous years.
Ovi simply couldn't adjust, couldn't find another trainer as good as Kapitonov and now he pays for it. Pre-season training is very important, it's a foundation for a long NHL season. Here's what Sergei Fedorov said about Kapitonov:
I personally really liked the training, the physical foundation that Kapitonov builds in you. I'd say his training methodology is one of the most advanced training systems I've experienced, and it is more for hockey players than for marathon runners, sprinters or weightlifters.
Dmitri Kapitonov was following Ovi through the whole NHL seasons for 3 years, last time he was in DC in April of 2010. Now Ovi doesn't have such guidance, he trained for a month with Kovalchuk's personal trainer and we know the results for Ilya as well.
"Russian machine never breaks", but it needs maintenance.
Where's your guardian angel when you need it? (Photo by Russian version of OK! Magazine)
Meanwhile Russian version of OK! Magazine, published Jan. 13 ,2011, has an interview given by Ovi when he signed a contract with Gillette. (A ton of shirtless Ovi again for female fans who read this blog :-)
Here's the translated interview conducted by Igor Skobelev:
When will you fix your tooth? Or do you intentionally not doing this to look more brutal?
No, it's just one of the most common injuries in ice hockey -- when your tooth is knocked out by a stick. That's why it makes no sense to insert an implant, it can get knock out again. By the way, many of my friends who are hockey players, apparently from a sense of solidarity also go out without teeth.
In Vancouver, during the Olympics, I watched how Canadians reacted to your appearance on the street. You just got out of the hotel, came to the car and a jubilant crowd gathered around you at once. And in Russia, are you loved just as much?
It's just because the mentality there is completely different. They are not afraid to openly show their feelings. They immediately photograph you, ask for autograph, show delight and a declaration of love. And in Russia it is not accepted to point the finger and show emotions in public in general.
Do you like living abroad? Many athletes say that Russia is cool, but not as comfortable, but in America it's other way around.
I'm used to share my life between the two countries. In America I play hockey, but here I am hanging with my friends. When I come here in the summer, you are constantly busy doing something: I'm always meeting someone, go to the night clubs. It's a bit exhausting, and it seems that every year you go in the same places, do the same things ... In America there are night clubs too where you can go and party, but my [Russian] friends are not there. (Laughs.)
They say that you can recognize a Russian by the the manner of how they dress -- we're always dressed to look luxurious, regardless of the time, place and action.
Yes, Americans are not crazy about the brands. It is only here, if you don't wear famous brands, you're dressed bad. Although the [Russian] adage "You meet a person by appearance (clothes), but you part with impression of how smart they are" has not been forgotten. In America a billionaire can go out in sneakers and jeans.
When in Moscow, are you trying to follow the fashion?
I basically don't care what to wear. I like sports clothing. I go out in sports pants or shorts with a T-shirt. If you need to dress to go somewhere, I can just put on a shirt with jeans. I can afford to buy expensive brands and I buy them. But the time when I was crazy about it, like go shopping and buy dozens of jeans, this time has long passed. In this sense, America has changed me.
Sasha, tell me, is it important how much a person earns? You are quite successful, and your friends and acquaintances -- they are probably hardly an ordinary people?
For me it was never a problem. I can communicate with people of different incomes. And with millionaires, and those who live from paycheck to paycheck. What's the difference how much a person earns? It is important what he has in his mind!
Men feel bad if they don't earn much. What is your minimum?
I agree, for a man, the more he earns, the better. Especially now that money can solve a lot. Someone rides Ferrari and someone saves for Ford. But money can also help to those who don't have much.
My cooperation with Gillette will help Dynamo's juniors hockey training facility and young and talented hockey players like I was once myself. I hope that it can help them to achieve something in life, that, like it was for me, their hard work and training will ensure their future.
And what will you do in the future?
I will relax! (Smiles)
Is that all?
Not really, of course when I'll have a family, then the priorities will be different. But as for now I would rather choose to relax.
A few years ago at the wedding of your friend Ilya Nikulin, I asked you when you were going to marry, and you just smiled and said nothing.
And now I'll just smile and say nothing. (Smiles)
And Nikulin has son now...
Someone wants to start a family earlier, someone not in a hurry. I'm only 25 years old. Let's see and never guess what will happen.
Are you just not going to say goodbye to a bachelor life or are you waiting for the only one?
Not that I am not going to... Of course, I want my parents to have grandchildren. But it's still too early in fact.
Why? Are you afraid to take responsibility?
We can say I am still a kid, just out of adolescence. I need to grow up even more. (Laughs.)
Here's more on charitable contributions in collaboration with Gillette:
WASHINGTON and MOSCOW, Dec. 7, 2010 — Ovechkin will appear in advertising and marketing activities in support of the world’s leading male grooming brand in Russia and Eastern Europe and will collaborate with Gillette to create charity programs that will contribute to youth hockey development in the region, as well as the Washington, D. C. area.
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19 comments:
It's time for both Ovi and Ilya to use a new personal trainer. The one they both used this past summer leaves (or should be say left) a lot to be desired.
Oddly enough that both Ovie and Kovi trained together, and both having record bad years so far. I think the type of training, plus the climate in which they were training probably has a lot to do with it.
It seems that Ovie was very busy over the summer, less parties than usual. A lot of media and extra things he did instead. Not that he didn't have fun, but it seems like those were his main agenda in previous summers, as opposed to last summer. Like the game against Kovy.
I also think, in Ovie's case, a lot has to do with coatching. Every game, Ovie is on the point. I do realize, like Fedorov, he is very good defensively and maybe the Caps have some weakness in the D-area, but being that far away from the net, the goalie can see what shots he gets off.
He's just doing what the coach tells him to, and you can't really blame him for that. He's playing hard every night, he just isn't being played where he needs. Maybe on the PK it'd be okay, but 5-on-5 and PP just doesn't make sense to me. You have to play the game differently than you do on the wing. It's not like he wasn't being defensive before, look at his back checking.
It's clearly making him lose confidence, as well with his line mates who, as a result aren't getting as many points or winning as many games either.
No more roids for Kovy and Ovi?
I can't say that Ovie doesn't have a confidence problem. It could very well be a coaching situation. Anonymous may have a point, however, the Ovie we all know and love probably has it in him to tell his coach where he can stick it if that is really the issue. Yes, most players will respect and listen to the coach, but does it looks like they've been listening to them recently?
Ovie isn't the shy, conforming type, so if he feels the point is a problem - let's just say - he won't continue to play point. Besides, there are plenty of players who can score from the point and sometimes, those same players don't always stay in the point position if an opportunity to crash the net arises.
I prefer no one uses the term "slump" and everyone who loves the Russian Machine, Capitals Hockey and the NHL simply take the time to keep writing and sending the positive encouragement to the GR8 - maybe the maintenance he's been lacking of late?
Rock Out with C--- Out Ovie - Go CAPS!
It is worth noting that both Ovie and Kovy trained together, and both players are now having sub-par seasons. Trainer/climate are likely reasons for the drop-off in their goal scoring.
For Ovie specifically, IMO more factors could also be responsible for his lack of goals. I read somewhere, not sure where, someone noted that Ovie is carrying some extra weight this season (perhaps a result of less training?). It was suggested he use a stick with less flex because his usual stick would be more likely to break, or not give him the same shot, as it would if he weighed less.
The other X factor for Ovie is the suspect wrist/hand injury for which he most likely received a cortisone shot recently. His stats show he's on about the same pace for assists this year as last year; it's the number of goals that has suffered a dramatic drop. A hand/wrist injury, and/or using a stick with too much flex for his weight, would affect his shot and impact his ability to score goals but not his ability to pass the puck and accumulate assists points.
BobbyG,
You've read about extra weight here, on this blog. We are talking about muscle weight, not fat. It doesn't prevent Ovi from scoring, last year he had the best season points/game and was only 1 pound less than this year. It's about explosiveness though, it's about desirable weight, that's all.
@PK Sub,
Ask Cindy about roids, he takes them and that's why he is susceptible to concussions. Ovi never take any, he doesn't even take vitamins.
I think it is a combo of a few things. He has the wrist issue we all know about which could explain why he is fanning on pucks more then usual.Another major thing is he is double and triple covered every night so it is a lot harder this year for him to get open. Moving him around on the PP & putting him on the right wing more might help get him more open...but his line mates need to step it up while most of the the focus is on Ovi they are open and they need to start making some plays. I am not too worried about Ovi not scoring like years past because I care more about the Caps getting the win then I do about Ovi getting more goals then everyone else & while I can't speak for Ovechkin I am pretty sure he feels the same way.He is out there working hard just about every single night. I don't think he is losing confidence I think he still knows he is an amazing player if anything I would say he is frustrated. All the Caps need to step it up and while Ovi has 2-3 guys on him to make sure he can't score the other guys need to make it happen. I just hope the Caps stop screwing around and decide to show up and play all the rest of the games this season for 60 mins....that is my main worry.
It would be intersting to see if any athletes who trained in Moscow this summer besides Ovie and Kovi and suffering similiam effects. Hmm..that would explain the Kings (bad air quality in LA)...lol
No one, but Ovie knows for sure what is going on. It could be something mental, physical or he is just simply not having a good year. Maybe is is focusing too much on marketing himself? Maybe after all these years of sucess he has hit a wall and has already peaked? Who knows?
I dont think the Caps latest slide is all on Ovie, Backstrom has been non existant and Semin has been inconsistant and accident prone. There 3 months left in the season, hopefully they can get it together and surprise all in the end!
Please excuse my typos!! I am adjusting to working days again..lol
I meant to say "are suffering similar effects" and "maybe he is".
Also meant "there are", "success", "inconsistent" and "non- existent".
@TJ: thanks for clarifying about Ovie's weight and where I read about it. I browse numerous Caps/Ovie related sites/blogs, I sometimes forget where I read what. Also, I wasn't aware that Crosby took steroids. Is this a substantiated fact or is it a rumor that has gained traction due to his most recent concussion?
The hand/wrist injury now looks like the most likely culprit for Ovie's problems scoring goals. But as others have said, he isn't the only Cap struggling scoring goals. And the major problem there is the non-existent power play. IMO if BB shakes things up, starts thinking outside the box, and tries something new, the PP will come alive and the Caps who are struggling now will start scoring goals again. I say this because the 3rd and 4th line players, who spend little if any time on the PP, seem to be carrying the offense. It's the 1st and 2nd line players who also spend the most time on the PP who collectively are in a goal slump. As the PP goes so does the overall offense IMO.
And for more happy things.... nice interview and pics!
Maybe the hair/beard held some of Ovi's super powers..... we can just blame Gillette ;)
@tj, love your response to PK. Way to tell him or her.
Yes, Ovi has just been average lately. I do think a lot of it was his training over the summer. And then the wrist.
But I've been reading A TON about how Ovi goes out every night and stays out late drinking and that's why he misses so many optional practices. I know Russians are better able to hold their liquor than most, but I'd like to think that Ovi would try to be better with getting rest and not drinking too much since he hasn't been performing.
He should just try for one week to get to bed at a normal time and not go out to bars and see what happens. If his on-ice performance improves, great. It's only a week Ovi. Just give it a try.
@ tj
Ironically, do you remember that steroid supplier who got caught and said that some guys in the Capitals were among his clients?
BTW, I'm a habs fan but your Cindy claim is ridiculous. Show me an article that links steroid use to concussions.
Cindy>Ovi but PK Subban>Cindy>Ovi :)
@PK,
Show me that Ovechkin was a patient of that doctor. Oh, no, you can't. There were only 2-3 players who visited him for chiropractic massage, like Bradley, Steckel, etc. It is well documented and checked by police. So your claim is as ridiculous. Don't throw stones if you live in a glass house, stop spreading rumors that don't have any actual facts to support them. Besides the Olympics drug test is the toughest in any sports events, they can find traces from a year ago, that's why they catch a lot of cheaters, Russian athletes included.
TJ, is there documented evidence about Crosby taking steroids? I bristle at accusations against Ovie as you already addressed. But I don't know anything about Crosby in this matter, so if you can enlighten me, please do so.
"Ovi never take any, he doesn't even take vitamins."
Really? You would think with all the North American physios in hockey someone would have told him how important vitamins are when you play sports. Your bones need extra Vitamin D to be physical, less injuries. You can boost your immune system, less sickness. Ovi uses food for energy and I agree a big meal before playing will help but other times less food is more.
Ever watch videos of MMA fighters training? They take handfuls of vitamins everyday and drink protein shakes when training. I'm sure Ovi eats lots of veggies and good food but when you play sports you can't half-ass your training.
I don't know what the Russian PTs teach them over there but sometimes I read things they say and the PT in me wants to pull my hair out! They need motivation. But he's gonna do what he thinks he should do. If I was his trainer, *sigh* I'd ride the hell out of him. Break him down and rebuild. Physically and psychologically.
The team I think:
If anything, I think Bruce should work with EVERYONE on their puck handling skills. I don't know how much time they spend on it at practice every day but they need to DOUBLE IT! Lately its been crap. The passing, the breakaways, everything. They get too fancy, don't look at the puck, and turn it over almost every other possession. That's why they don't score as much anymore.
Oh, and the whole Alex having 2 or 3 guys on him every night. I agree that is a big hindrance buuuut if he maybe hit them every single shift in the 1st period, I'd bet my house they'd back off. If its their job to cover you all night, its your job to make them regret it. I'm not saying dirty hits but you hit them every 4 or 5 minutes, let that swelling kick in and hit em again. Use that weight.
Or
Semin's always "injured" for a non-physical, non-fighting player so let him do the job and then he can get suspended for 2 or 3 games. Same difference. LOL I don't mean to pick on him but he's always sick or injured. He gets injured over the tiniest things (excluding his present injury).
@D Ovie doesn't go out anymore that he has in the past. Also, when he doesn't skate in an optional practice, it's not because he's hungover drunk in bed. Those guys are still at the facility, going to meetings, and working out in the gym. I've heard an interview by Brooks Laich stating that and the fact that the guys who skate the most minutes during games don't do the optional skate because they skate so many minutes in games. That would be Ovie and Mike Green. Knuble usually doesn't skate in optional skates either but he's old, and Semin frequently sits out too, but he has a lot of injuries. Knuble is a good guy and leader, so I don't think you can make a judgment about a guy not skating in an optional skate.
@J,
Good points, but it's Dmitri Kapitonov who said Ovi doesn't even take vitamins. All guys in the NHL drink, eat and chew some stuff every day that makes them stronger and rehab faster, but Ovi doesn't. I know, it sounds stupid.
Someone needs to convince him to do it, it is especially important in playoffs.
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