When you are the unquestioned best player in the world, many people will try and scrutinize everything you do. That’s exactly what has happened to Sidney Crosby this season. The Pittsburgh Penguins captain is experiencing a “down year” with 67 games played and “only” 74 points (24 G – 50 A). That puts him first in the scoring race and at 1.10 points per game, which also is best in the league.
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At this point in Sidney Crosby’s career, if he is not leading the league in scoring, there is something “wrong” with him. I’ve defended him before and showcased how he has played a more defensive game and has had less overall time on ice.
However, people in Pittsburgh still seem to have sky high expectations for Sidney Crosby, including well respected members of the media. I guess that’s what happens when you have played your entire career averaging 1.37 points per game.
There is no way you can’t look at Sidney Crosby’s accomplishments over the course of his career (this season included), see a down year and over analyze it.
Despite the added pressure and scrutinization that Sidney Crosby has endured this season, he has maintained a calm head and more importantly responded. A short while ago our beloved Sidney Crosby was outside the top ten in the NHL scoring race and seemed to be lacking explosion in his skating.
Mar 19, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) takes the ice to face the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Since that point, Sidney Crosby has stepped up his game and now leads the NHL in scoring once again.
Despite his rebound, I can’t help but see that Sidney Crosby still does not look like that truly dominant player he has been in years past. Realistically, I think it stems from Patric Hornqvist and Evgeni Malkin being out of the lineup. In terms of the whole season, the injury problems of the Pittsburgh Penguins have caused the team to be disoriented at times.
Sidney Crosby might actually win the scoring title again this season and salvage his “down season.” That is an incredibly good thing for the Pittsburgh Penguins, because given the current roster, they need Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin to dominant this postseason if they want to bring Lord Stanley’s Cup to Pittsburgh again.