For Alexander Ovechkin, physical play is both a gift and a curse: His devastating hits make him the NHL's most unique superstar, but his penchant for reckless play also makes him one of its most dangerous players. Just ask Brian Campbell. The Blackhawks defenseman suffered a broken clavicle (and busted ribs) after Ovie shoved him from behind during yesterday's Caps-Hawks matinee. Ovechkin was summarily ejected (and just received a two-game suspension), immediately reopening the NHL's most polarizing debate: Is Ovechkin a dirty player? We rated the most questionable hits of his career and provided video evidence to let you decide...
VICTIM: TIM GLEASON, CAROLINA HURRICANES
DATE: 11/30/2009
PUNISHMENT: Five minutes for kneeing, game misconduct; two-game suspnesion
Ovie said: "I don't want to try dirty hits to make people get hurt, but sometimes people turn back or turn right away so I don't have time to realize to stop. It's pretty hard when you are skating fast and the guys just turn. What can you do?"
Complex says: Ovie ended up hurting himself in this collision with Gleason. Karma for leading with his knee again? Maybe.
OVIE RATING:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE COMPLEX SPORTS POSTS...
