Backstrom joining Crosby/Ovechkin/Malkin among the games elite?

Alexander Ovechkin is often compared to Sidney Crosby and a much lesser extent to Evgeni Malkin when discussing the games best player. That discussion will go on for years and it’s really a moot point as both players don’t play the same type of game.

From a statiscal standpoint though, Ovechkin has truly been the more dominant player in 2009-2010 as the star winger is on his way to a third straight M.V.P. trophy.

In 10 fewer games than Sidney Crosby, Ovechkin has 9 more points than Crosby and a +35, plus/minus advantage to Crosby’s +7.

In 1 fewer game than rival Evgeni Malkin, Ovechkin has 27 more points than Malkin and a +48, plus/minus advantage compared to Malkin’s minus-6.

When discussing the Penguins and Capitals it use to be Ovechkin/Semin versus Crosby/Malkin but it has now become Ovechkin/Backstrom versus Crosby/Malkin.

Nicklas Backstrom has established himself as one of the games best playmakers and is emerging as an elite player in the National Hockey League.

Sidney Crosby: 72GP-45G-43A-88pts +7 (27 power play pts)

Evgeni Malkin: 63GP-24G-46A-70pts -6 (25 power play pts)

Alexander Ovechkin: 62GP-45G-52A-97pts +42 (33 power play pts)

Nicklas Backstrom: 72GP -29G-59A-88pts +32 (34 power play points)