Sleepy Time in Montreal
You knew this reaction was coming:
Let us dream a little. And if the Canadiens subjected an offer to Alexander Ovechkin next summer?Four times in the course of his post-game press conference yesterday afternoon, the Russian magician repeated to what extent he likes to play in Montreal. "It is my favourite place."
The article, written in French but understandable thanks to a translation engine, provided some insight into the minds of the Montreal faithful.
"Ice hockey is so big in Montreal," [said Ovechkin]."They would say that you would like this, to play here every day," said an associate.
Ovechkin needed some seconds of cogitation before finding a respectful enough and diplomatically correct answer for Ted Leonsis, who signs his checks of pay.
"No," he answered in a tone which wanted to say: "I have no choice [but] to say this."
Certainly Montreal fans would choose to read whatever they wanted into Ovechkin's tone. And perhaps he has considered the possibilities of playing in a hockey-centric city; any player in a city where hockey is a distant fourth or fifth priority has considered it. But then reality sets in.
Look at cities like Ottawa and Toronto, where hockey is king. Goalies Ray Emery and Andrew Raycroft used to be the heroes; seemingly overnight, after a few losses, they became goats. Now both cities are complaining bitterly about these goalies, thanks to the strident voice of the Canadian media. Toronto fans are even insisting that Raycroft be sent down to the ECHL in order to get him out of the city, since the Marlies are too close. Obviously, this is ridiculous, but it's a typical sentiment in sport-crazed cities. (For a local reference point, look at the never-ending controversy about Joe Gibbs vs. retirement.)
Would Ovechkin, who can usually walk peacefully down the street in Redskins Land in relative anonymity, really want to subject himself to the scrutiny of a demanding public? Perhaps he would, but he's certainly aware of the pros and cons of such an action. He also knows that he's changing the face of hockey in D.C., and can have a real impact here. Cities like Montreal, Toronto, or even New York don't need Ovechkin the way that Washington does. And every goal he scores, every celebratory outburst he makes, every Segway ride he takes brings a much-needed focus on the team that wouldn't necessarily be there otherwise. Still, no one but Ovechkin knows what's going on in his mind right now, and Washington fans pray that he'll want to stay.
Caps fans are anxiously hoping for the news that Ovechkin signs a new contract with the team. May that day arrive soon, so that Bruce Garrioch and Larry Brooks can find something else to focus their energies on.
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