The Washington Capitals are in a tough spot as they head into game three against the New York Rangers down 2-0 in the series. Alex Ovechkin has been practically invisible, leading former head coach Bruce Boudreau to break down his struggles.
Boudreau has remained active in the NHL despite losing his most recent coaching job with the Vancouver Canucks last season. He has become a regular guest on shows as an analyst of the game. Today, he was on TSN breaking down what has gone wrong with Alex Ovechkin through the first two games of the playoffs.
The Talking Point with Bruce Boudreau: Why has Alex Ovechkin gone quiet in the playoffs?
The former coach referenced Ovi's advanced age, which admittedly, is up there for a professional athlete of any kind. Perhaps the great eight simply is not physically capable of keeping up with an NHL that continues to get younger around him as the players of his generation retire.
"Maybe he can't do it at 38 anymore where he can't crash, bang and do it with the energy that he used to do it. But he's standing still getting pucks, and when he's standing still getting pucks, the Rangers are too quick. They come at you too fast. So he doesn't have time to get out of the way. So, to me, he's not engaged mentally right now. He wants to be, but he's not because he's frustrated and things aren't going the way he wants them to go."
Fans have been highly appreciative of Boudreau's work as an analyst. He's certainly gotten more compliments than many regular analysts on some networks.
Bruce Boudreau is really good in the NHL Network studio.
That being said, many fans seem to want Boudreau behind the bench of their favorite team, rather than in the studio. While he is an entertaining and insightful broadcaster, many fans still like him as a coach.
There's so many options. I've always loved Bruce Boudreau, though I know he's up there in age now. David Carle is talked about bunch.
What's interesting is Todd McLellan is available & he actually coached Mike Grier's final season in San Jose.
My top coaching candidates for the Buffalo Sabres in order:
1. Lindy Ruff
2. Gerard Gallant
3. Bruce Boudreau
4. Craig Berube
5. Jay Woodcroft
My personal favorite is Ruff.
Only time will tell if Boudreau will return to the bench. Be sure to tune in tonight though as Ovechkin and the Capitals try to prevent the Rangers from getting the dreaded 3-0 series lead.
Source: HockeyFeed
Bruce Boudreau sounds off on Alex Oveckin's struggles
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