Back to the New York Rangers Newsfeed

Capitals coach compares Alex Ovechkin to Mark Messier

He said what?

Minutes after his team’s last-second win over the Rangers in Game 1, Capitals coach Barry Trotz took a calculated shot at Blueshirts fans in his postgame press conference by comparing Alex Ovechkin to Rangers legend and Hall of Famer Mark Messier.

“He’s a rare talent in this league. I said to the media, ‘he’s really similar to Mark Messier,’ ” Trotz said. “He’s one of those rare talents that can play a really heavy game, intimidate you with his speed, intimidate you with his skill and his physicality. That’s a pretty rare talent. Ovi has been terrific for us as an all around player this year.