Barry Trotz: Ovechkin Is Extremely Coachable, Apparently
Alex Ovechkin is apparently extremely coachable, which could mean bad things for every other team
For the past couple of years, the Washington Capitals have been considered non-threats in the Eastern Conference- not for weaker players, but for one of their strongest.
More from NHL
- NHL Rumors: Legendary Patrice Bergeron retires, which 3 players could be next to hang up their skates?
- NHL Rumors: Latest on Hart, Hellebuyck, Gibson trade possibilities
- NHL Rumors: 5 forwards most likely to sign early extensions this summer
- NHL Rumors: Where things stand with Erik Karlsson, Penguins and Hurricanes
- NHL Rumors: Penguins nearly traded for Erik Karlsson at deadline
Alex Ovechkin has long been one of the most controversial players in the NHL. He’s without a doubt one of the greatest players on the ice today, with incredible scoring ability and an absolute ruthlessness that many players do not possess- either one or the other, let alone both attributes.
Ovechkin’s biggest criticism has nothing to do with his play ability, though. Rather, it has to do with his cooperation on the ice- he’s ruthless but uncaring, willing to score but not defend, and in-your-face confrontational to the point of being a bad sport. He had one of the worst +/- ratings in the league over the course of the 2013-2014 season, despite being one of the top scorers in the NHL, and seemed extremely unwilling to change his style of play.
The Capitals have ushered in new head coach Barry Trotz, though, who seems to have no issues meeting Ovechkin in the middle. In a recent article on NHL Pro Hockey Talk, Trotz ‘raved’ about how coachable the captain is, claiming that “all of the things that have been said about him are the complete opposite”.
Should this be the case, the league- particularly the Eastern Conference- should be extremely worried. This is apparently no longer a thing-
More from FanSided
- NFL rumors: Aaron Rodgers sets Jets up for Super Bowl run with new contract
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers land Amed Rosario from Guardians
- Colorado gives Pac-12 a possible death knell with move to Big 12
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Braves get dose of bad news on Max Fried as ace nears return