[Por_sha911]

Originally Posted by 1990C4S

My question is simple; does anyone think that Niskanen would have reacted exactly the same way if it was a team-mate sliding into him? If OV slid across the crease in Crosby's place would Niskanen's stick have contacted his head with the same force?

Cue the annual Ovechkin golf club image...

Yes, the reaction in a split second is to defend yourself. Niskanen wasn't expecting Crosby to be falling down in front of him right then. He didn't lunge, push out, or follow through. You of all people should know how fast this game is played these days and that it is way too easy (and totally wrong) to judge things in slow motion replay. "Armchair quarterback"...

Ovi and the clubs: I've got the jpg waiting. Sadly, I really would like to see Ovi go farther. He is quite a humanitarian off the ice and on ice he gives 110%. Besides Ovi being in a slump, I just don't see Holtby give his best and that will kill their chances.

BTW, if Ovi wanted to trash Crosby he had the perfect chance in game one and pulled up at the last minute. The NBCSN commentators have said as much many times.