As the new decade begins, three specific hockey-exciting events—mid-season NHL reports, the upcoming Olympics, and Alex Ovechkin’s much-anticipated captaincy—mark the ideal time for yet another Crosby vs. Ovechkin debate.

I know, I know. I am sure you cannot help but think, “Not this again….” But, this debate is not an opinion; it is an investigation.  An objective and empirical investigation as to the truth behind the world’s greatest hockey player: Sidney Crosby or Alex Ovechkin.

In an extensive review of statistics and information, I seek not theories, but cold-hard facts as to which player I want on my team at the end of the day.  Both players this year are, arguably, finally tapping into the prime of their respective careers. That being considered, this season’s statistics, as I will soon prove, show clear evidence pointing toward a distinguished superior player. This is not a question of who brings in more revenue, for Crosby and Ovechkin both see record merchandise sales and countless sellouts.  Rather, this report will divide the findings into several distinct subsections of this year’s stats: Scoring (Overall, Divisional and Playoffs, and Game Winners), Plus/Minus, Time On Ice, Faceoffs [for Crosby], and Hits [for Ovechkin].

So, without further ado, let me present the data (as of January 14, 2010):

SCORING:

Overall:

Analysis: Ovechkin will forever reign as the king of goal-scoring in the NHL. There is no debate there. Yes, Crosby is on pace for a 52-goal season, believe it or not; but, Ovechkin has games in hand, and if he hadn’t gotten hurt earlier this season, he would have had a legitimate push for 50 in 50. The only other note of minor importance is that Ovechkin comes from the best offensive team in the league. The Caps score more and have a significantly better power play. While these team statistics certainly inflate Ovechkin’s numbers, he is still the scariest player gliding down the ice, ready to shoot his bullet-of-a-shot into the twine.

ADVANTAGE: Ovechkin

Within the Division and in the Playoffs (08/09 Playoffs, after 2 equal rounds):

Analysis: The most important games in the grueling NHL season are those in the playoffs, hands down. But next to the playoffs, the games most meaningful are the games played within each division during the season. In respect to the playoffs, it’s a push. Crosby and Ovechkin were one-two in playoff scoring after the second round—both with playoff-leading 8 goals. Crosby, of course, prevailed, but we all remember that Fleury save on Ovie in Game 7 that would have changed it all. It is the divisional games, though, that set these two greats apart. While both perform admirably, Crosby truly prevails, for he scores 37% of his goals against divisional opponents as compared to 18% for Ovechkin. When it comes to big-time games, you know Crosby will always show up.

ADVANTAGE: Crosby

Game Winners:

Analysis:

Both players are certainly game-breakers. Based purely upon Game Winning Goals, Ovechkin has the slight edge. However, the addition of the shootout (whether you like it or not) presents a new meaning to game-winners. As we know it, the shootout can gain the same two points as the previous 60 minutes and overtime, and this cannot be overlooked. That being said, Crosby is the shootout master. Goalies fear no one more than Sid the Kid as he streaks down center ice with nothing in front of him save the puck.

ADVANTAGE: Crosby

PLUS/MINUS:

Analysis:

Not much to be said here. Ovechkin is dominant, perpetually lingering at the top of the league.  Once again, Crosby is better against divisional foes.  As a team, Washington is much better in the +/- category, likely due to their offensive dominance, perhaps boosting Ovechkin’s numbers slightly, though not enough to place Crosby on top.

ADVANTAGE: Ovechkin

TIME ON ICE:

Analysis:

Again, just simple facts. Both are among the top ice time per game for forwards. Crosby carries a slight edge in the Power Play, but the Penalty Kill is the point to be considered. Ovechkin rarely plays on the PK, and that does not say much coming from a team that is desperate for better penalty killers as it grovels at the bottom of the PK rankings. Crosby, on the other hand, plays a decent amount on an already highly-ranked PK.

ADVANTAGE: Crosby

FACEOFFS (Crosby):

Analysis:

What can be seen here is simple: Crosby is arguably the best faceoff-man in the league—in any scenario—regardless of scoring ability. He is a proven force in the circle, and only continues to strengthen his game as the season and his career progress.

ADVANTAGE: Crosby (no, really)

HITS (Ovechkin):

Analysis:

For a forward, being 23^rd in Hits is pretty impressive. Ovechkin plays a mean game, and he is no doubt one of the toughest forwards out there.

ADVANTAGE: Ovechkin (go figure)

Well there you have it, folks.  Crosby prevails by a score of 4-3, just like last year’s 7-game epic Stanley Cup Playoffs bout between these two world-class rivals. But it’s really not as simple as that…as I’m sure you know.  The data goes much deeper and, as we have seen, gives the answers we have endlessly been seeking.  When it comes down to it, they both can play out of their minds.  They have been and will be elite in the scoring category.  Between last year’s playoff run and the first half of this year, both have been equally sensational.

Ovechkin is more exciting, hands down, but the data shows that exciting does not translate into better.  Yet, it is the intangibles that truly define this crowned champion. Crosby’s game is topped off with great success in the circle; Ovechkin’s game is accented with a fierce hitting nature.  Both have good Plus/Minus in respect to their teams, and both have a growing amount of time on the frozen H2O.  And we all know they do not disappoint.

One aspect of the game does, however, set one of these men over the other: situational importance.  When it counts, whom do you want on the ice? Ovechkin is one of the best if you are on the Power Play, behind, or tied in the game.  But, Crosby is one of the best—no matter the situation. He can be trusted to take the faceoff in the tightest of scenarios and still be at the top of the league in the circle, not to mention in Scoring as well.  Crosby too can play on the Power Play, but also on the Penalty Kill, whereas Ovechkin appears to be a liability when without the fifth man. Crosby is dominant whether your team is behind, tied, or ahead. When it all comes down to it, both men can help attain that much-needed lead…but Crosby can keep it. Ovechkin scores goals; Crosby scores goals and protects them.

WORLD CHAMPION: Sidney Crosby