Joseph Blandisi: Ovechkin a natural finisher, Crosby more versatile.
11 hours ago7 min read1 comments

So, you want the ultimate hockey bar debate settled? Who's the GOAT: Alexander Ovechkin or Sidney Crosby? I got the inside scoop from a guy who's actually been in the locker room with one of them. Joseph Blandisi, the 31-year-old Canadian forward now with SKA, recently broke it down, and honestly, his take is the most relatable, no-cap analysis I've heard in a minute.He didn't give some canned, PR-friendly answer; he gave us the real tea. Blandisi straight-up said they're both elite but in their own lanes, like comparing a pure, unstoppable scorer to the ultimate all-around Swiss Army knife.Ovechkin? He's that guy. The natural-born finisher.You know the type—the one in your rec league who just has a knack for being in the right spot, whose shot is just different, a force of nature whose only job is to put the puck in the net, and he's been doing it at a historic level, literally breaking the NHL's all-time goals record last season. It's like he's the basketball player who only takes threes but hits them at a 50% clip; you can't be mad at the specialization when it's that effective.Then there's Sid. Crosby is the definition of versatility.He's not just a scorer; he's the playmaker, the defensive conscience, the face-off guru, the engine that makes everything go. He's LeBron on ice, impacting every single facet of the game, and Blandisi highlighted that their internal competition, that daily drive to one-up each other, is what has fueled their careers and made any night they're on TV must-see TV for decades.It's the same energy as the Magic vs. Bird rivalry that saved the NBA—two contrasting styles pushing each other to legendary status.But the chat got even more interesting when we moved from on-ice prowess to off-ice persona. When asked about the rumors of Crosby's almost shocking humility—the normal car, the regular clothes, the dude-next-door vibe—Blandisi didn't hesitate.He confirmed it all, saying, 'Yeah, I agree with this. This is one of the reasons for his success, and why they write books and make films about him.' Blandisi even admitted he'd read those books as a kid, which is a wild full-circle moment, dreaming about a player and then getting to share the ice with him. He doubled down, saying everything you hear is true: how Crosby treats everyone, from coaches to kids, with genuine respect, even hosting dinners for them.That's the intangible, the 'why everyone loves Sid. ' It’s that rare combination of otherworldly talent and grounded humanity that separates the greats from the icons.In a sports world often dominated by flash and ego, Crosby’s consistent, blue-collar superstar act is his secret weapon, the foundation that has allowed his talent to flourish without distraction. It makes you think about the different models for sustained excellence.Ovechkin's path is one of singular, devastating focus, a weapon so honed it defies time and trends. Crosby's is one of holistic mastery and leadership, where his value isn't just in the points column but in the win column, cultivated through a culture of respect and relentless work ethic.Blandisi’s perspective, coming from a peer who has witnessed the Crosby effect firsthand, adds a layer of authenticity to what we all see from the stands. This isn't just a debate about stats; it's about legacy, about how two vastly different archetypes can simultaneously dominate a sport and elevate each other in the process. Every time they lace up, it’s a masterclass, and thanks to insights from guys like Blandisi, we get a little closer to understanding the magic behind the legends.