Does Crosby Have an Edge Over Detroit’s Defense?

Sidney Crosby is tearing up the ice this season like he’s got a chip on his shoulder, amassing 5 goals and 3 assists in just three games. Not bad for the ‘old’ guy, as some fans kept spewing all off-season. On the other side of the rink, Detroit’s Dylan Larkin is holding his own with 1 goal and 2 assists. The stage is set for a showdown between these two captains.

Now, let’s talk about Detroit’s defense, shall we? Their starting goalie, V. Husso, is sporting a save percentage of .863. Add to that defensemen like M. Seider logging nearly 24 minutes a game, and you’ve got a recipe for late-game fatigue. When Crosby goes up against Detroit’s defense, the tape and numbers suggest he has the upper hand.

Steve Yzerman has been the architect behind Detroit’s rebuild, but even the best blueprints have their flaws. While Yzerman has made strides in bolstering the offense, the defense remains a sore point. The stats don’t lie: heavy minutes for key defensemen and a shaky goaltending situation. It’s a cocktail that Crosby could exploit to devastating effect.

So, how could the Penguins deploy Crosby to capitalize on these weaknesses? First off, expect Crosby to be heavily involved in even-strength situations, where Detroit’s defense shows its vulnerabilities. With defensemen like M. Seider logging heavy minutes, Crosby could be deployed strategically to take advantage of a fatigued defense as the game progresses.

While Detroit’s defense has its issues, don’t expect an easy ride on the power play. The Red Wings are killing penalties at an 83.3% clip, so Crosby and company will need to be sharp to capitalize on any man advantages. I have faith in the Penguins’ Power Play this season in comparison to previous years despite the small sample size.

Lastly, let’s talk faceoffs. Despite Detroit’s decent 57.3% win rate in this area, Crosby has a knack for shining when it counts. Interestingly, Larkin’s faceoff stats are also commendable, setting the stage for some key battles in the circle.

While Crosby is poised to add to his goal tally against Detroit, he won’t be alone in the offensive spotlight. Look for Malkin and the rest of the crew to chip in. Malkin has been just as good as Crosby so far this season and will be, unsurprisingly, another key player to the offense tonight. In short, Detroit’s net is in for a busy night as long as the Pens continue to play like they have up to this point.

All stats courtesy of Hockey-Reference