Interesting discussion by NBC analysts in between periods of the Caps/Pens game on whether Ovi is still elite. The analysts brought up an unnamed coach who said that they still game plan for Ovi on the PP but not on 5 v 5. Mike Milbury (who I don't care for) mentioned that Ovi is still an elite talent but he hasn't put in the work to become better. He has become too predictable. Keith Jones (who I do respect) agreed with Milbury and said that Ovi basically does his one timers from the left side and that is it. Both of them said that Ovi is big and should use his body in and around the net more.
I agree with all the comments. Ovi is still extrememly talented but his game has not evolved over the last couple of years. The great ones adapted their games to continuously improve and while their physical talents may fade some, they have put in the work to play to their strengths and continued to grow and improve in other aspects of the game.
Ovi does his one timers and he tries to bring the puck down the left hand side and either sneak a wrist shot through the defender using him as a screen or cut towards the middle and shoot. Defenders have this down now and block many of his shots. I am still a HUGE Ovi fan but he really needs to be better to still be considered a top player in this league.
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