helmespc wrote:... its the fact that they're not building around their superstar's strengths in such a way that they can be successful. They need to put a 2009-10 1st line out there with Ovie and Semin to score ton of goals, then build the rest of the team to fill in the defensive/grinding game. That has been why the Pens have been so successful... they play to Crosby, Malkin, and Staal's strengths, rather than ask them to change their games.
The more important point is that the strengths of Crosby are GOOD ones for team leadership (works like he's on a 2-way contract both in-game and on his weaknesses), and Ovechkin's strengths aren't.
No head coach, not one, tailors their style to a player. What GMs try to do is find coaches that fit well with their players.
And having a Crosby type of player, who is a superstar guy with 4th-line work ethic, makes that job easy as pie.
Meanwhile, over in Washington where their number 1 guy is a shooter... and nothing else? Not so easy. Especially since he's not known as a hard worker. When he was lighting the world on fire, it could be overlooked. Even Jagr, pouting little puke that he was, ALWAYS worked hard even when he wanted out.
That is important for a team. When your top guys aren't willing to work hard (physically and mentally), it puts management and coaching in a tough spot since other players are absolutely affected by their leader.
It's not a coincidence that the Pens give off a real "team" vibe. Crosby is the reason. Period.