Ovechkin is a lock for the MVP

Alexander Ovechkin is all but guaranteed to be the NHL's MVP this season. There was a belief that it may be hard for him to earn it unless his team made the playoffs, but now that they are in there is really no question about it. Besides leading the league in points and goals, Ovechkin has also been towards the top in terms of hits, and plus minus.

He is the first player to score more than 60 goals in 12 years, and went well over that mark to score 65. In an attempt to compare eras Mirtle has figured that in terms of goal scoring, Ovechkin has had the third best season ever.

Furthermore this is only the third year in his career and all three have been very solid. This is his second season in which he is over 100 points and 50 goals. The one season where he missed these marks he still had a very respectable 46 goals, and 92 points (better than any Sabre this season). Also he hasn't really missed that many games. He has played a full 82 both of the past two season, and only missed a single game in the year before that. With Backstrom getting better those numbers are only likely to go up.

Speaking of Backstrom, he is one of the favorites to win the rookie of the year award. It is slightly more likely to go to the Blackhawk's Patrick Kane, but could even end up with his teammate Jonathan Toews. Although Toews has his chances hurt, after being hurt himself for a stretch this season.

Lindstrom is almost as guaranteed as Ovechkin to get the the Defensive player of the year award. Coach of the year is up for grabs, but the favorite here should be the Capitals as well.

Sabres don't stop Ovechkin

The Sabres were unable to stop Alex Ovechkin, and as a result lost the game 3-1. Not having either Tallinder nor Hecht in the lineup may have had something to do with that, but the good news is that Hecht at least is expected to be back by Saturday. The bad news is that the Sabres are running out of time.

Lydman and Kalinin were both minus three for the game, and probably need to be repaired until Tallinder comes back as that obviously wasn't working. Kotalik had a good game with the Sabres only goal, and none against while he was on the ice.

The Sabres did score a second goal in the game, but it was discounted for unknown reasons. Still with the sloppy play the Sabres had they didn't deserve to win. Buffalo gave up three breakaways in the first period, while Miller got the first two, thats not the best way to go about winning a game. On the other end of the ice Kolzig played very well for the Capitals, limiting Buffalo's chances (although Pominville looked good).

If Hecht is given the assistant captain role when he comes back (no reason to think this won't happen) then that should take some of the burden off of Pominville. He's a good player, but I'm not quite sure he is ready to be the teams leader. Afinogenov had the puck alot this game, but didn't do too much with it. After playing so well against the Flyers, Max looked to be trying too much, and not dishing off the opportunities quick enough this game.

Backstrom looked good for the Capitals, and should give Kane and Toews a run for rookie of the year honours. Buffalo's next game is Saturday against Carolina.

Official Three Stars

Alexander Ovechkin

Nicklas Backstrom

Maxim Afinogenov

My Three Stars

Alexander Ovechkin (two goals, plus three)

Olaf Kolzig (only one goal against, saved 96% of shots)

Nicklas Backstrom (one goal, one assist, plus three)