I think it's going to be really close but I am going with Ovi even without the chance that he could explode.

Probably Giroux, but Ovie has 120 point talent and could return there.

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Twitter: @TK12555

In a points only, another vote for Giroux.

Ovechkin has elite skills, but Giroux hockey IQ is something else. You can see that defensive systems can slow OV down, the guy doesn't use his teammates enough. It seems that ever since the Habs beat the Caps in 7 a couple years ago, defensive schemes have adapted well, while he has not changed the way he plays. How many times did he score coming down his off-wing in the past? He doesn't do it as often now, because d-men aren't shy anymore to defy him and use effective stickwork.

Giroux, on the other hand, works his magic with the players around him. He reads the play so well, he can adapt quickly during a game. I believe he's just getting started.

OV will surely rebound, he has the skills, but I wouldn't take him over Giroux , especially with the defense mentality of Dale Hunter.

Giroux - guaranteed 85+pts
Ovechkin- possibly, maybe 85+pts

It all depends on your style as GM and how much of a risk taker you are. There's no right answer here. Personally I'd take Giroux, one of my favourite players.

Listen, I'm on Ovi's side here... but as long as Hunter is around there's no way he's clearing point per game. It's physically impossible receiving 16 minutes of ice time per game.

Pure awesome. If he becomes a Jedi....how can Giroux compete?...

I would also bet on Ovechkin. Got a chance to see him a lot this year and live on one occasion. The spark is there, it just has to get out (and he has to start juicing again). Once it does, I can't see how he would fail at returning to some level of former glory. This isn't Getzlaf or Spezza or Heatley we are talking about, it's Ovechkin. The guy set the world on fire before...He can do it again. I bet Ovechkin.

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Giroux would have hit 100 points if he didn't have that concussion to deal with IMO. He had 93 points in 77 games. He's running away with the playoff points lead and could become the next face of the NHL before you know it.

Giroux>Ovechkin

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macv@dobberbaseball.com
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I'm really, really surprised people pick Ovechkin.
Go back & watch the way he played when he scored over 100+.
Go back & watch the talent around him when he scored over 100+ points.

It's not the same player.
That youthful "jump" that OV had in his step a few years ago is GONE.
It is G-O-N-E. It's not coming back while he is in Washington.
He can still rocket lasers & snipe.... but losing one facet of your game (motivation) is also a loss of 10pts +/-.

Also, the magic of Ovechkin's supporting cast is GONE.
G-O-N-E.
Mike Green ain't ever comin' back as "2007-2010 Mike Green".
That's another 10pts +/- that won't return. And don't "John Carlson" it... not the same offensive spark.

And the Hunter-factor isn't going to help either.
Hunter was a gritty player. Gritty players don't like primadonas.

The only way Ovechkin gets his drive back is if he changes team.
(I do think he could revive on another team... see Bure, Pavel)

Until then... 90pts is his maximum.
80pts will be his average.

Yeah, I'm also surprised that this one is as close as it has been. I think people are clinging too much to Ovie's old glory days without recognizing all the variables that have changed between then and now.

In a points only format, Giroux (and several others) are easily ahead of Ovie in my books.

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2013 Bay Street CBS Playoff Cash Pool - $100 buyin
12 Teams, Points Only (G/A = 1, DG = 2, W = 2, SO = 1)

The Motherpuckers (5 NYR, 2 PIT, 3 VAN)
Forwards: Neal / Iginla / Nash / Richards / Stepan / Roy / Higgins
Defense: Del Zotto / Garrison
Goalies: Lundqvist

Only time will tell, I'm just glad this is as close as it is.

I have Ovechkin in 2 of my 4 keepers and even though they aren't points only, I think it would take a nice package to move him. No sell low here, I would let him rot before trading him straight up for Giroux, but like I say those leagues aren't points only and this poll is. Just to be fair.

Keep the feedback coming guys, this is really on the fence. If you don't want to give your thoughts. Cast a vote, even if it's for not touching this one.

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Goals (G), Assists (A), Plus/Minus (+/-), Penalty Minutes (PIM), Powerplay Points (PPP), Shorthanded Points (SHP)

16 team, 26 player H2H Dynasty keeper league.

3 games min a week start

Wins (W), Goals Against Average (GAA), Saves (SV), Save Percentage (SV%)