Mario Lemieux Has Word With Sidney Crosby After Game 6?
May 11, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) controls the puck against the New York Rangers in game six of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers defeated the Penguins 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Penguins’ captain Sidney Crosby was frustrated in Game 6 – to say the least.
In fact, over the past two games, Crosby’s focus seems to have veered off, and has let his emotions get the best of him. Yes, it’s playoff hockey and tempers flare, but not to the extent Crosby’s expressed.
It was so disturbing, that even Pens’ owner Mario Lemieux has officially thrown his hat in the ring.
According to Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, after he and the rest of the media left the Pens’ locker room following Game 6, Crosby and Lemieux were reportedly the only two left, implying the longtime Pens’ great needed a word with his team’s captain.
When I left the Penguins locker room, two people remained: No. 87 and No. 66.
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) May 12, 2014
Although Yohe does not indicate the two had a conversation, I think it’s safe to say that because No. 66 and No. 87 were alone, it obviously suggests they did. Crosby probably could use some talking to too.
Lemieux knows a thing or two about winning – so does Crosby. However, they each are two completely different players. Yet, because each are phenomenal in their own right, it means Lemieux’s standpoint may perhaps be beneficial to Crosby.
Like, keep your cool.
Time-and-time again, Pittsburgh has issues with controlling rash feelings in the postseason. And when teams get under the skin of Crosby specifically, it’s really difficult for them come out on top in the end.
Despite ranking tied for second on the team with nine points (1G, 8A), Crosby has just three points (1G, 2A) this series, and is skating to an abysmal minus-3 rating. Accompany the production with the frustration, and it spells doom for Crosby and Pittsburgh.
By stepping in and consoling Crosby, Lemieux – as well as the rest of the Pens’ faithful – are hoping he can put these past two games behind him. Because, fact of the matter is, they can’t win without Crosby. So, he needs to harness his emotions.
Smart move by Mario.
Game 7 is Tuesday at 7 p.m., and it can be seen on the NBC Sports Network.