Ovechkin a big bundle of trouble

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This article was published 04/12/2015 (3572 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

How do you stop arguably the best player on the planet?

Finding the answer to that question will fall on the shoulders of the Winnipeg Jets’ top line of Andrew Ladd, Bryan Little and Blake Wheeler when they take on the Washington Capitals Saturday (2 p.m., Sportsnet, TSN1290). Their task: to shut down forward Alexander Ovechkin, who along with centre Nicklas Backstrom and winger T.J. Oshie make up one of the most dynamic forward lines in the NHL.

“On transition, he’s one of the best in the game (and) off the rush he’s so dangerous,” said Ladd, following practice at the MTS Iceplex Friday.

“Any player that plays that much you want to be on him and take away his time and space.”

It isn’t exactly new territory for the Jets’ No. 1 line. In fact, it’s the second time in as many weeks they’ll line up opposite Ovechkin and the Capitals — the last coming in a 5-3 loss in Washington late last month.

They were able to limit Ovechkin the first time around, keeping him off the scoresheet while five-on-five (he scored a goal on the power play) while adding a goal of their own — a first-period marker from Ladd.

But that kind of success has proven rare, as Ovechkin has feasted on the Jets’ franchise, collecting 85 points (43 goals, 42 assists) in 58 games, the most against any team in the NHL over his career.

Needless to say, the Jets will need a complete effort throughout the lineup if they plan to walk away with two points, a task that’s proven particularly difficult on home ice. The Capitals are 8-1 in the last nine games against the Jets and have earned wins in four of their last five at the MTS Centre.

UP FOR DEBATE: A play involving Jets defenceman Tyler Myers and Toronto forward Nazem Kadri in the first period of Wednesday’s win over the Leafs created quite the stir among NHL fans and pundits, both of whom were quick to argue the validity of the play that ended with Myers being called with a two-minute penalty for interference.

Myers, who had just finished making a pass near the Leafs’ blue-line before shifting his path toward the opponent’s net, collided with Kadri, who was seemingly unaware of what was in front of him, sending his stick and his body flying through the air. On the replay, it looked as though Myers may have lifted his shoulder just moments before the two collided, a point made by those in favour of the call. Friday, Head coach Paul Maurice stood up for his defenceman, denying any wrongdoing from Myers.

“He didn’t engage the hit,” said Maurice. “I don’t think he was fighting for even ice at the time; he kind of focused on the pass and then going to the net.”

Kadri, who appeared injured on the play, left for the dressing room but returned a short time later.

RIDING THE HOT HAND: With no morning skate due to the early start-time for the game, Maurice was unwilling to tip his hat on who would get the nod in net against the Capitals.

When asked if there was any good reason why he wouldn’t turn to rookie netminder Connor Hellebuyck, who earned the win against the Leafs and has allowed just one goal in each of first two NHL starts, the Jets coach was coy.

“If I can come up with (an answer) between now and game time, then you’ll find out who’s playing,” he said.

Michael Hutchinson, who had slid into No. 1 goaltending duties with starter Ondrej Pavelec on the shelf for at least another six weeks, is 5-6-1 this season and has just one win in his last six games.

jeff.hamilton@freepress.mb.ca

twitter: @jeffkhamilton