I love Backstrom and Laich. I think they’re probably great guys, and provide different aspects of leadership. I also think that leadership consists of many different qualities and aspects, and it’s not likely that any single player on the roster is going to have all those qualities. And honestly, as fans, we just don’t have the inside track as to how these things work: what we see of Ovechkin is a fraction of the time he actually spends with his teammates, and therefore, I go with the fact that his teammates voted for him, and continue to support him.

My issue with Ovie was his lack of adjustment as a forward as well as the lack of will to become more of a balanced player offensively and defensively. At least he has finally accepted becoming a RW’er, which I think will make him a threat offensively again. Still somewhat of a liability on the forecheck, but that’s hardly his fault.