Alexander Ovechkin, You Disappoint Me

After another dismal performance in the playoffs it is clear that Alexander Ovechkin is not the NHL's signature player. The Washington Capitals were swept out of the playoffs like leaves on a city sidewalk following a 5-3 beat down by the Tampa Bay Lightning last night. The Capitals have been the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference the last four years yet have failed to make the Stanley Cup finals in any of those years. Who's to blame for these epic failures?

To be fair the Tampa Bay Lightning played a hell of a series. Martin St. Louis had some timely goals and Steven Stamkos picked up right where he left off in the regular season scoring points in bunches. The Capitals defense allowed too many power play goals and Michal Neuvirth was lit up like a Christmas tree in this series. You almost had to wonder if those mitts had holes in them. When the Caps lost the first two games at home there was reason for concern, but most Caps fans assumed Washington would come out fighting and salvage at least a split in Tampa. Instead they rolled over showing no heart, no pride, and no sense of urgency. None of the players seemed to care whether they won or lost the series.

Whenever that happens it's almost a guarantee the coach will get fired. I'd bet my last 20 pesos Bruce Boudreau will not return as head coach next season. With such talented players as Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom it's inexcusable to go down in flames for a 4th consecutive year. Bruce Boudreau has failed to motivate the players and create a winning environment. That simply can't be tolerated and he should take responsibility for the teams lack of intensity. As for Alexander Ovechkin? He falls further down the depth chart and maybe even out of the conversation of who is the NHL's best player. He doesn't produce when it counts and his presence isn't felt in big games. That's what superstars do. Until Alexander Ovechkin plays for a Stanley Cup he is officially on the "pay him no mind" list and his jersey goes into storage. Number 8 is behind the 8 ball.