AO vs. Crosby? That's Just Part of the Story

AO vs. Crosby?

Kind of.

The hockey world has been adding fuel to the fire for the Ovechkin versus Crosby rivalry all season long. With each player registering four goals in the first two games of this prominent second round series, including their first playoff hat tricks last night in a 4-3 Capitals win, it's easy to say this head-to-head match-up has been the central story of the series.

I digress.

Yes, Ovechkin and Crosby have been the best players on the ice. Yes, the head-to-head match-up has been some of the most entertaining hockey in recent memory. But this isn't the reason why the Penguins are heading back to Steeltown down 0-2.

The Penguins are down 2-0 to the Capitals because Crosby is the only person playing well for the Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury has been very average. Evgeni Malkin, although slightly better in Game Two, has essentially been a non-factor. Jordan Staal's line has been far from the x-factor. The Pens defense has been "okay"...at best.

The bottom line is that the Caps' "other" players have been better than the Pens' "other" players.

David Steckel continued to be a game changer in Game Two. He registered his second goal in as many games, while continuing his strong defensive play and penalty-killing.

Guys like Brooks Laich continue to muck it up in all three zones. Nicklas Backstrom set-up the game-winner in Game One, and won a key face-off on the third Caps' goal in Game Two.

One guy who needs to be better for the Caps continues to be Mike Green. He has been downright bad, as exhibited when Crosby overpowered him in front of the net to register his second goal.

I'm loving the exploits of the Great8 and Sid the Kid. Both continue to score goals and make plays that nobody else can make. Whether it be Ovechkin breaking in on a seemingly harmless one-on-one and ripping a bullet to the top shelf to give his team a two goal cushion, or Crosby batting a puck out of mid-air from a ridiculous angle and into the back of the net after battling in front of the net to get his team back in it, both guys have done their part...and then some.

What separates Crosby and Ovechkin from the rest isn't just the talent...it's the fact they want it more than anyone else on the ice.

But, unless the Penguins can give their Captain some support, the hockey world could be jipped out of a long, and sure to be entertaining, series...