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Pittsburgh Penguins: Time for Sidney Crosby to Dominate

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

Apr 20, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) handles the puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena. The Pens won the game 5-2 and the series 4 games to 1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) handles the puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena. The Pens won the game 5-2 and the series 4 games to 1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Penguins have seen a number of players steal the spotlight so far in these playoffs.

We’ve seen big games from Pittsburgh Penguins players like Jake Guentzel, Bryan Rust, Nick Bonino and Evgeni Malkin, but one player that has slowly been making a big statement is Penguins captain Sidney Crosby.

Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins /

Pittsburgh Penguins

I mean, what else would you expect from the greatest player in the game today? Sidney Crosby has the power to win games for a team and completely dominate on the ice.

But is he really doing that these playoffs? I mean yes, he has nine points in six games, and he just scored two goals in under a minute in game one of round two, but I believe that Crosby has more in him. He is currently second in points in the league, right behind Evgeni Malkin who has 11 points. But I’m pretty sure Crosby has the ability to completely dominate and become first, and I think we need that especially in this round.

Round One

Crosby was definitely efficient in the first round against the Columbus Blue Jackets. When needed, he made great plays to get his team ahead on the scoreboard.

However, Crosby only had two goals in the whole first round. Now I know I shouldn’t be looking into this stat too much considering he did get five assists as well to prove he can make plays, however we should be expecting more from our superstar.

If we learned anything from game one of round two, it’s that he can score goals, as he did when he netted two in under a minute. We’re going to need him to do this more. And the repeat. Making highlight reel plays is what Crosby does best. So we need him to do that.

Last season, Crosby took home the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. The team we have this season is special, and we can repeat as champions if we really try to. Crosby has the ability to win another Conn Smythe, he just has to bring it now more than ever.

Ovechkin vs. Crosby

The Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals always ends up being about two players, Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. This rivalry has been marketed as one ever since the two landed in the league together in 2005. I mean why not? Both are the league’s premier stars on rival teams. The stories almost write themselves.

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Well Ovechkin and the Capitals are dangerous, but so are our Penguins, and especially Crosby. This rivalry will want to emphasize the fact that one player is doing better than the other and vice versa.

Next: Keys to Game 2

If there is ever any time that Crosby should completely dominate a team, it’s now. Crosby should use these critics who wish to form a narrative around this series as a motivation to take control. He should show up Ovechkin, like he has in the past, and steal games for us. That would truly be a benefit to our team as a whole, while solidifying the fact that he is the greatest in the game.

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