Crosby 2010-11: What Could Have Been

Crosby was on pace for his best season.

Sidney Crosby’s absence because of concussion symptoms has obviously been detrimental to the Pittsburgh Penguins. It’s also been tough on some fans. To a lesser degree, Crosby’s injury has hurt the NHL. But you know what really sucks? When you think of what could have been for Crosby himself this season.

After 41 games, he led the league with 32 goals and 66 points. If Crosby would have kept that pace up for the rest of the season, he would have finished with 64 goals and 132 points – astronomical totals for today’s game. Since 2000, only Joe Thornton has eclipsed 125 points in a season (125 in 05-06) and only Alex Ovechkin has scored more than 60 goals (65 in 07-08). To do both in one campaign is insane. It would have been one of the best individual seasons in the past 20 years (let’s not forget his 25-game scoring streak). And consider this: After missing 26 games, Crosby is still in the top five in goals scored and top 10 in points.

Before his injury, Crosby had the Art Ross and Rocket Richard trophies pretty much locked up. He also would have likely earned the Hart as league MVP. So, not only would Crosby have added some significant hardware to his personal trophy case, he would have had added another incredible individual season (his personal best) to his already-stellar career.

Who really knows what could have been for Crosby before the concussion? It’s all just speculation, but he could have achieved great things. However, the season is not over and Crosby has not officially been ruled out for a return. With that in mind, let’s say we focus on what might yet be. Hey, there’s always the playoffs.