Coach’s Corner: Alex Ovechkin is doing nothing

Ron & Don talk about Alex Ovechkin needing to pick up his game, Joe Thornton playing well for the Sharks and the Blues physical play.

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals are tied 1-1 in their second round series and, as of the first intermission airing of Coach’s Corner Monday night, Pittsburgh held a 2-0 lead in Game 3.

And Don Cherry is not happy with Alex Ovechkin‘s play this series.

“Ovechkin is doing nothing,” Cherry started. “The last game he was terrible and this game he’s even worse than terrible. Now why isn’t he playing like he did against Philly?… He is a monster when he plays like this. Think of the way he’s playing now. He’s playing like a sweetheart.

“When he’s not hitting and banging they’re in trouble.”

Ovechkin scored three goals and five points in Round 1 as the Capitals eliminated the Flyers in six games. He was a physical force against Philadelphia, but Cherry thinks that part of his game has tailed off against the Penguins.

Through two-plus games in Round 2, Ovechkin has just one assist. T.J. Oshie has been Washington’s leader on offence.

“You know what he’s playing like?” Cherry said. “I’ll tell ya what he’s playing like. He’s playing like he does in international hockey. He’s disappeared. And unless he gets going they’re gone.”

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