The Hockey News: Headlines: Capitals coach Boudreau: No Ovechkin among all-star starters 'dumb'

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Capitals coach Boudreau: No Ovechkin among all-star starters 'dumb'

2009-01-03 18:40:00

WASHINGTON - Alex Ovechkin is the NHL's reigning MVP and scoring champion, and he entered Saturday second in the league in goals and points.

So how is it possible, Ovechkin's coach with the Washington Capitals wants to know, that the left wing was not voted in as a starter for the all-star game?

"It's dumb," Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau said before Washington hosted the New York Rangers on Saturday night.

Ovechkin finished sixth among Eastern Conference forwards, trailing two players from the Pittsburgh Penguins - Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin - and three from the Montreal Canadiens - Alexei Kovalev, Saku Koivu and Alex Tanguay.

Each of those five players received more than 1.2 million votes; Ovechkin got fewer than 500,000.

"It's not right the best player in the game is not a starter," Boudreau said. "But it is what it is. We want to get the fans involved, and they've got the right to vote for whoever they want."

Ovechkin entered Saturday with 26 goals, one fewer than league leader Jeff Carter of Philadelphia, and 52 points, eight behind Malkin.

"Everybody that knows hockey knows that ... Alex would be in the starting lineup if it went on merit," Boudreau said.

COMMENTS (7)

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Rangers57 Posted
(2009-04-30 07:36:05)

baijiansi - Just giving that kind of response proves Dave's comment is correct!

baijiansi Posted
(2009-04-30 07:35:41)

So you guys think that Habs fans are dumb? If you want to see something really dumb, scroll down and read Dave's comment... But seriously, the ASG's voting system IS dumb. But that's the way it is for this year. Want to see Ovechkin on the starting line-up? Vote. Often. Or cheat. Like Habs and Pens fans supposedly did. Anyway IMO using computers to vote often is not cheating, it's only being smart... This is not an election, it's a game! A meaningless All-Star Game!!! Go Habs go!

Big Skrad Posted
(2009-04-30 07:35:39)

no Bruce, whats "dumb" is the all star game itself. thing is boring as hell, no intensity, nothing at stake, just plain boring.

dave Posted
(2009-04-30 07:35:39)

Ovechkin is one of the best players in the world and i agree, it is dumb. I'm upset about all these hab players being voted over players who deserve it. This is a disgrace. Also make the allstar game worth 2 points. If any player on your team takes part in the allstar game you win you receive 2 points. If you lose you recieve nothing. For this way the fans cannot vote.

Rick Posted
(2009-04-30 07:35:39)

It certainly is dumb, but at least the Habs didn't try to get Ryan O'Bryne into the all-star. Last thing we need is another Rory Fitzpatrick. So to sum it up, Montreal fans dumb, Vancouver fans really dumb. The funny thing is the east will probably win anyway and then Montreal fans will be all excited that their "stars" can bring them home a cup this year and then when they get demolished in the 1st round of the playoffs we can all laugh at their stupidity.

Alicia Posted
(2009-04-30 07:35:37)

It is dumb. He is absolutely right. This is why everyone has been complaining with the voting system. And I completely agree Jim, the actual game is really boring. I just love to watch the skills competition. It's very entertaining.

Jim Posted
(2009-04-30 07:35:34)

Well Bruce, once it went to fan voting it became a popularity contest. It is not objective. I never watch this game anyway although I often watch the skills competition, the game itself is always a yawner.