There are three types of forwards usually found on NHL teams: the grinder, play maker and goal scorer.  Let me explain all three to you, while Jeremy discussed the Devils UFAs already.  Don't jump the gun.  Then there is Alexander Ovechkin, who may in fact comprise all three genres.  If there is an Oscar for best NHL player, he may win it.  Yep, he's that good.

The Grinder:  A player who works and battles for every inch of ice and every minute of playing time.  Does not receive attention most nights.  A must have for any successful NHL team.

The Play Maker:  A player with a vision of the ice that is almost super natural.  Can find players in the tightest spots and leave defensemen scratching their heads.

The Goal Scorer:  A player who has a knack for the net.  This player can puck the puck in the net from all angles, just by anticipating and sensing what the goal tender is going to do next.  Also seems super natural at times.

Each NHL team is comprised of those pieces to help fit their offensive puzzle.  But, there is one player in this league who is a combination of the three, Alexander Ovechkin.

"Vech", as he is referred to by his teammates, scored his league-leading 39th goal tonight in the Washington Capitals last-minute 3-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

Despite the loss, Ovechkin and the Caps have been playing great hockey since their coaching change.  They have pulled themselves from the basement of the Eastern Conference to a playoff contender.

Anyone who has seen Ovechkin play understands his talent and capability.

He can do it all.  If you have the puck in the corner, he will throw his entire body at you to gain advantage of the puck. 

Once he has the puck, he skates through lanes that only Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby could maybe find.  Once he is in the offensive zone, he can score from anywhere with his rocket slap shot or the pin-point accurate wrist shot.

In my opinion, Ovechkin is No. 1, not Crosby and not Kovalchuk.

He leaves players (even on his own team) scratching their heads.  Everyone remembers his incredible goal versus the Phoenix Coyotes in 2006.

While falling to the ice with one hand on his stick, he still managed to find the net.

If you watched that highlight, look at the Coyotes defensemen after the puck goes into their goal.  They are baffled  and memorized, as we are at times.

However, many of people have shifted to the Crosby bandwagon.  They should be.  He is amazing.  But there is always more talk about Crosby.  I remember who won the Calder Trophy with his individual performances.

Not to take anything away from Crosby, but I think if Ovechkin had some of those players that Sid has been playing with, his point total would increase dramatically.

Over the past month, the Caps have been playing better hockey, especially Semin and Backstrom.  They have increased Ovechkin's and the Capitals' production overall.

I believe he is growing as a player.  Just look at his Plus/Minus numbers, which can accurately determine a person's ability on both ends of the ice.  During his rookie season, he scored 106 points yet finished at only +2.  Last season, he was -19, despite a 40-40 campaign.  Weird.

Third time's a charm though.

Determined to improve his ratings, Ovechkin has kept up the scoring and his Plus/Minus at +10.  He has shown that he can play on both ends of the ice.

Since the NHL schedule will change next season, it will allow the elite skaters, such as Ovechkin and Crosby, an opportunity to play in every arena throughout the season.  It also gives the NHL a chance to market Crosby everywhere he goes.

Although I enjoy divisional rivals battling for bragging rights, it's not fair for the true hockey fans who have yet to witness the NHL's future stars dominate the sport.

It's a shame we (New Jersey Devils fans) do not get to see more of him battling with our own star Zach Parise.

Heck maybe we could trade for him!

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