Examining Sidney Crosby's struggles

James O'Brien

May 7, 2010, 1:45 PM EDT

6 Comments

During the Ottawa Senators series, Sidney Crosby was making a case for being the consensus greatest player in the hockey world. With an absurd 14 points in only 5 games, it looked like he was going to threaten Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux for all-time playoff performances.

It only seems fair, then, that the deification that took place in the first round should give way to a fair amount of furrowed brows now that he’s colder than Todd Bertuzzi’s heart. Especially since Alex Ovechkin received so much heat when the Capitals lost to the Montreal Canadiens.

Just look at the most obvious numbers. He scored 14 points in 6 games against Ottawa. Against the Habs, Crosby has 3 points (all assists) in 4 games. He doesn’t have a single goal in the series. There are three games in the Senators series in which he matched (or exceeded) his current totals against Montreal. Crosby only has one game in which he put more than a single shot on goal (five in last night’s contest).

By no means is it time to panic, but I can’t help but wonder what’s eating Sid. He’s obviously frustrated (as one could have seen in Game 2, when he broke his stick on Jaroslav Halak’s goalpost ). He might miss Bill Guerin’s presence. Perhaps Hal Gill has the “book” on the young center.

Either way, the Penguins rely very heavily on Crosby’s offense. The salary cap structure of this team necessitates that the burden falls on Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, so as unfair as it might be, the team lives and dies with their big names. It’s time for Crosby to deliver on his constant expectations. Again.

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6 Comments (Feed for Comments)

The Real Shuxion - May 7, 2010 at 3:16 PM

As a Bruins fan I must admit that Montreal is a very scrappy team. I would rather face them in the east finals than Pittsburgh but they are very dangerous as every game passes by.
Would not be shocked if Montreal won the next two games.
Jim - May 7, 2010 at 3:49 PM

Cindy’s just not tough enough for playoff Hockey.When you fear him and give him too much room,he’ll destroy you.Play him tight,stay in his face and he’s not nearly as good.I think Malkin’s the better player because he always plays tough.
Fred - Brandon MB - May 7, 2010 at 5:09 PM

I wouldn’t count Sid out quite yet. They can’t hold him down forever. Last game he managed five shots on goal, and sprung Malkin on a clean breakaway late in the game.
He is adjusting to Montreal’s defence. Watch for him to break out in the next game.
Mark - May 7, 2010 at 10:42 PM

It’s not over yet, but 3 points and 0 goals in four games is sub-par for Crosby. Ovechkin had 10 points and 5 goals in in seven games and took a huge amount of heat for the Capitals elimination. Crosby really isn’t getting the same kind of press heat yet, although he should be. He’s their captain and this crap about his “team” play when they win and he doesn’t produce only affirms the NHL’s press double standard. It is and always will be this Canadian player is better than any other, reguardless of the facts.
PAT gORDON - May 7, 2010 at 11:19 PM

Crosby, Crosby, get over it! He’s a good player who the television commentators are making into a God!! Enough already – he’s gotskill but compare him to the other greats – Yzerman, Lidstrom, guys who are or were out there very night,hard working not looking for praise & not crying about every little thing that happens. I’m rooting for Montreal just because of Crosby, I’m sick of him!
PAT - May 7, 2010 at 11:23 PM

Crosby, Crosby, get over it! He’s a good player who the television commentators are making into a God!! Enough already – he’s got skill but compare him to the other greats – Yzerman, Lidstrom, guys who are or were out there every night,hard working not looking for praise & not crying about every little thing that happens. I’m rooting for Montreal just because of Crosby, I’m sick of him!

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