The 2023-24 NHL regular season is just about here, which means fantasy hockey is picking up. As a result, fantasy managers will soon be choosing their teams. Sometimes it can be hard to choose between star players, so in this article, let’s go over two legends of the game – Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin.
Crosby vs. Ovechkin In 2023 Fantasy Hockey
The Case for Crosby
“Sid the Kid” may now be 36 years old, but he is still among the NHL’s top players heading into his 19th season. His statistics from last season perfectly display this. In 82 games, the future Hall of Famer had 33 goals, 60 assists, and 93 points. With numbers like these, he is still easily a must-have player for your fantasy hockey draft.
When it comes to the Crosby vs. Ovechkin debate, Crosby has had the upper hand points far more than not over Ovechkin. This is because Crosby is a top-of-the-line playmaker who constantly racks up assists. This has allowed him to be an over-a-point-per-game player in every season of his career. This is something that should carry over into the new season, too. Keep in mind that the Penguins added reigning James Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson this summer.
Thus, if you’re looking to add a generational playmaker with one of your first picks in your fantasy hockey draft, Crosby surely warrants consideration. He is a constant threat for a 90-point to 100-point season and has shown no signs of slowing down. Ovechkin, on the other hand, often does not get enough assists to hit those point totals.
The Case for Ovechkin
Now, just because Crosby often produces more assists and points than Ovechkin does not mean you should avoid the latter. At 38 years old, Ovechkin is still one of the NHL’s top goal scorers. In 73 games this past season with the Capitals, the 2004 first-overall pick had 42 goals and 75 points. He also has hit the 50-goal mark nine times in his career and had 65 in 2007-08. Needless to say, the superstar will always put the puck in the net.
It is not a secret that goals carry a lot of value in fantasy hockey. As a result of this, even if Crosby gets more assists and points, you need to consider Ovechkin, too. He is knocking on Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record, only needing 72 more to tie him. This is a testament to how marvelous Ovechkin has been in the goal department his whole career. Therefore, if you’re looking for a constant Maurice “Rocket” Richard candidate, Ovi is your guy.
Picking Either Player Is a Big Win
At the end of the day, whether you pick Crosby or Ovechkin for your fantasy hockey team, you are getting a real winner. Both players have continued to beat Father Time and remain superstars of the sport. At the end of the day, it is truly based on preference and how you want your roster constructed. Do you want a player who will consistently produce at an over-a-point-per-game pace? Crosby is your guy. Yet, if you want one of the game’s best snipers, you should go for Ovechkin. Alas, let’s see how these two generational talents perform in 2023-24 from here.
Looking for more great fantasy hockey analysis? Check out our 2023 Fantasy Hockey Draft Kit for team previews, rankings, and all the sleepers you can shake a stick at.