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Pittsburgh Penguins: Sorry, NHL Network, Sidney Crosby Still Tops the NHL

By Conor Sherman

LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 21: Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins poses for a portrait with the Conn Smythe Trophy and The Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy at the 2017 NHL Awards at T-Mobile Arena on June 21, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 21: Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins poses for a portrait with the Conn Smythe Trophy and The Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy at the 2017 NHL Awards at T-Mobile Arena on June 21, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The NHL Network released their list of the top 20 NHL centers currently in the league. Of course, the Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby made the list, but he isn’t where he should be.

On Sunday, June 20, 2017, The NHL Network ranked the top 20 centermen in the league right now. While the top three rankings were correct, (Evgeni Malkin, Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid) the order was not.

Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby, the 12-year veteran is now out-ranked by 20-year old Connor McDavid. In just his second year in the league, McDavid led the league in points (100).  The sophomore also took home the league MVP at the NHL awards in June.

Crosby on the other hand, in his 12th season, took home his second Maurice “Rocket” Richard trophy (most goals). Crosby was also awarded his second straight Conn Smythe (Stanley Cups Playoffs MVP) and his third Stanley Cup Championship.

Over the last two seasons, McDavid has proven himself to be a top-three player in the league. Crosby is proving that age is only a number as his game has not slowed down entering his 30’s.

Although Crosby’s opposition is a near decade younger than himself, he still manages to keep up and be a step ahead at almost all times.

Crosby may no longer be “Sid the Kid” but he remains one of the fastest skater in the league. He proves, season after season, that he capable of being the NHL’s top center despite all odds.

While both Crosby and McDavid are highly skillful offensively; Their defense is also a big part of their game. Since McDavid has entered the league in the 2015-2016 season, Crosby has a 36 plus/minus rate which beats McDavid’s by an even 10.

Sidney Crosby Still Tops

Right now, Crosby is responsible three Stanley Cup Championships, two Conn Smythe trophies, two Rocket Richard trophies, two Hart trophies, three Ted Lindsay awards, and has been elected to seven All-Star games.

What Crosby has done in the NHL does end his long line of awards and medals. Aside from his NHL awards, Crosby is decorated on an international scale as well. He has been named the World Cup of Hockey MVP after Canada won the tournament in 2016. Crosby has taken them to the gold medal games in the Olympics multiple years.

Next: 5 Players to Watch This Season

Crosby is arguably one of the most talented and most decorated players to have played the game and has no intentions on slowing down.

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