Is Alexander Ovechkin a Dirty Player?

Be careful #8 because the media in DC has begun to question your methods!

Articles have begun appearing in the Washington papers regarding Ovechkin’s suspension and whether he is a “dirty player”. In fact, one of the articles did my homework for me and listed all of his major “indiscretions” since 2006. (Thanks for the help!) The question intrigues me: Is Alexander Ovechkin a dirty player? Well, is he?

First and foremost you have to decide for yourself what a dirty player is, but to me it’s the likes of Sean Avery and Patrick Kaleta. I had the privilege of going to some of the Washington Capitals’ playoff games last season so I saw Sean Avery, first hand and I can tell you it was an eye opening experience. Avery knew exactly when the referees were not watching and would crack someone over the helmet. I was amazed at what he was getting away with both during play and after the whistle. But he is my prime example of what I consider a dirty player.

Avery took opportunities to exact hits that had no other reason but to inflict injury. And most of all he did it in a premeditated manner. The fact that Avery was able to get away with as many helmet hits in as he did during a single game was astounding. Mind you I was specifically watching him during the entire game to see what he was going to do (I had watched previous games at my apartment and wanted to see exactly how he was in person), but I was amazed at how much more you pick up on when you focus most of your attention on him. I understand the referees cannot possible watch him at every moment, but I have no doubt that Avery realizes that as well. It was quite apparent that he took a head shot when he could most likely get away with it.

So to me, a dirty player is one that acts in a purposeful manner to inflict damage with some (or a lot of) premeditation. To this point, Ovechkin does not fit this definition. While he’s playing the game harder than most, it’s his “control” that is in question. Is he intentionally hurting other players? No. Is he premeditating it? No, I don’t believe so. (Come on he bruised his own knee on the last “indiscretion”.) But this doesn’t put him in the clear.

The fact that he was suspended and is being questioned for his play backs up my point. His manner of play is obviously impacting the welfare of those playing against him. If he chooses to stay his course and continues to deliver such devastating blows, it actually does become premeditated. To ignore the league’s disciplinary punishment and the questions of the media, means that he would knowingly disregard the welfare of his opponents. Sure he isn’t intentionally “head-hunting” but it’s still disregard of player welfare and repercussion of his actions that is going to label him a dirty player unless he changes his ways.