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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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It's Magic vs. Bird—On Ice

Alex Ovechkin faces Sidney Crosby in 'nail-biting playoff'... but no one's watching

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(Newser) – The Capitals-Penguins playoff series, with its two budding superstars, is what the beleaguered NHL has been waiting for, writes Reed Albergotti in the Wall Street Journal. In contrast to the disciplined play of Sidney "Wayne Gretzky" Crosby, Russian phenom Alex Ovechkin is both a firebrand and a goofball. But the matchup, which is only being shown on the Versus cable network, may slip by relatively unseen.

The 21-year-old Crosby and his 23-year-old opponent each scored three goals in Monday's game, but only 1.26 million TV viewers tuned in. But Ovechkin plays like the whole world is watching, celebrating his goals with all the verve of an NFL player and showing off his frightening stamina. The Capitals are up 2-1 in the series.

Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby and coach Dan Bylsma participate in the NHL hockey team's practice at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, Monday, April 27, 2009.
Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby and coach Dan Bylsma participate in the NHL hockey team's practice at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, Monday, April 27, 2009.   (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin sits on the bench during the third period against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 3 of an NHL hockey second-round playoff series, Wednesday, May 6, 2009.
Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin sits on the bench during the third period against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 3 of an NHL hockey second-round playoff series, Wednesday, May 6, 2009.   (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Alex Ovechkin plays soccer with teammates while wearing a
Alex Ovechkin plays soccer with teammates while wearing a "Coaches Corner" T-shirt and Hockey Night in Canada shorts as a reference to his war of words with presenter Don Cherry.   (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Chris Young)
Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin celebrates his goal as he takes part in the Breakway Challenge during the NHL All-Star Superskills competition in Montreal, Saturday Jan. 24, 2009.
Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin celebrates his goal as he takes part in the Breakway Challenge during the NHL All-Star Superskills competition in Montreal, Saturday Jan. 24, 2009.   (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz)
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2 comments
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laslow
May 8, 09 10:48 AM CDT
Nobodies watching - except for all of Pittsburgh and Washington, and all of Canada of course. But no matter how many teams you put in Phoenix, Atlanta, Nashville, etc. Hockey will always be a niche sport in the USA. One of the most exciting playoff series in a few years but since it's on Versus - a specialty network, no casual observers are going to tune in. Good thing the Versus contract ends soon. Reply
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Unaffiliated
May 8, 09 1:19 PM CDT
The Versus contract was a terrible move for the NHL. Fortunately they don't make you pay to listen to the radio broadcast online. Reply
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