Hands down, it's Ovie

To be honest, I thought the most recent Hound Central 4.0 poll -- which asked whether Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby or Washington's Alex Ovechkin is the tougher autograph -- would be closer. I was wrong.

Of the 51 votes cast, Ovechkin pulled away from The Next One as being the more difficult to have sign an item -- any item, really. It's no surprise, either, that both would draw this honor. Great players always draw a crowd above the usual hounding suspects.

Thankfully, I've been fortunate to have had Ovechkin and Crosby sign pucks in the past. Recent trips, though, haven't proved as fruitful. I'll get another chance for Crosby tomorrow.

What was surprising, however, was the number of responses. This poll had, by far, the greatest participation.

Thanks. And, please, give yourself a Standing O.

Question: Tougher autograph?

Alex Ovechkin: 29 out of the 51 votes cast (56.9 percent)
Sidney Crosby: 22 out of 51 votes (43.1 percent)