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Penguins Update: What’s Wrong With Sid?

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ByRick Buker

Nov 20, 2015

It’s a question asked by virtually every Penguins fan. What’s wrong with Sidney Crosby?

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A prickly one, to be sure. With no easy answers.

Heck, this was supposed to be a breakout season for Sid. Especially with sniper Phil Kessel rolling into town to ride shotgun. Instead, the Nova Scotia native’s been held off the scoresheet a stunning 13 times in 19 games. Counting last night’s game-winner against Colorado, he’s tallied three goals. To put that in perspective, former Pens scrapper Bobby Farnham has scored three goals since joining the Devils on October 26.

While I’m certainly no expert, I thought I’d at least try to offer some plausible explanations for the steep drop in the former Hart and Art Ross Trophy winner’s once plentiful production.

Before I begin, let me be clear. I hold our captain in the highest regard. Both as a hockey player and a person. His on-ice accomplishments, too numerous to list, speak for themselves. And the way he’s represented our team—and his nation—with such grace and poise over the years is truly remarkable. If Sid never scores another goal, he’ll be revered as one of the all-time greats.

Now for my thoughts.

Sid’s struggles don’t appear to involve attitude or work ethic. Crosby’s toiling as hard—if not harder—than ever.

Some have noted an increased reluctance to play in traffic. Or behind the net, where he’s traditionally been very effective. An indication that No. 87’s competitive fires may have diminished, ever so slightly? Possibly.

Indeed, Crosby seems more comfortable operating in the comparatively wide-open spaces along the half wall, where he’ll generally pass first and shoot as a last resort.

Perhaps he’s become too predictable.

Others have pointed out, rightfully so, that he’s paying more attention to his defensive duties under coach Mike Johnston. The result? He appears to be coming late on a lot of plays rather than leading the rush. Thus, he may be getting to the dance—offensively speaking—a split-second late. That’s all it takes for a prime scoring chance to evaporate.

Here’s my two (or three) cents:

¢ Sid doesn’t attack as dynamically or aggressively as he once did. Remember the way he used to burst into the offensive zone and force the defense to react? Now he’s more inclined to slow the play down rather than speed it up. Which gives foes time to get set. Again, this may be (at least partly) attributed to his expanded role in the defensive zone.

¢ He isn’t picking the corners or finding the holes with his shot. Nor is he elevating his shot. He’s shooting low, into goalies pads. Or center mass.

¢ He’s skating with a revolving door of linemates. Other than old sidekick, Pascal Dupuis, Crosby hasn’t shown much chemistry with any of them. Including Kessel and former first-round pick Beau Bennett.

Sid seems snake-bitten, too. When a shot does get through—like Tuesday night when he blasted one behind Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk on the power play—it stopped inches short of the goal line.

He’s only human. Stuff like that has to affect his confidence. At times he must stare at the heavens and wonder what he needs to do to score.

Last, but certainly not least? At age 28, Crosby may already be slowing down. His points per game have declined each season since 2011-12. Although powerfully built and in prime condition, he’s not a large man. Eleven seasons of warring in NHL trenches—combined with possible lingering effects from head and neck injuries—may be taking a premature toll on his abilities.

And lest we forget. Sid’s been the center of the hockey universe for an awfully long time. Ever since he started firing pucks off the dryer in the basement of his Cole Harbour home.

That’s got to wear on a guy.

Is Crosby the player he once was? Maybe not. But don’t bet against him. He’ll adapt and adjust and find new ways to contribute.

12 thoughts on “Penguins Update: What’s Wrong With Sid?”
  1. Hey Rick,
    It was reported today by yahoo.sports that Sid and Mario had a major falling out.
    It is the first major organization to report this. It made specific reference to his contract and other issues? Maybe Sid is not to happy that Mario is cashing out after Sid gave away so much $$$$ to the team and it’s owners over the last 7 years and for what ?
    Remember what Malkin said the other night. We are mad at each other !
    The spin doctors said it was all a misunderstanding.
    This is crazy…..Something is not right.

    1. Hey Jim,

      I don’t have any sort of connections to the team or any inside information. But I’d be very surprised if there was any kind of major rift between Mario and Sid.

      I think Mario referred to the rumors as “silly.” That sounds about right.

      Have a great Thanksgiving!

  2. Steven.. Check your stats , he’s only got three goals so far this year !
    Headline says ” what’s wrong with Sid ? ”
    At his level ,so called SuperStar status there is something wrong with him !!

    1. 100% agree Denis.This situation has gone on far to long and probably for the reasons Rick mentioned above.I hope I am wrong, but based on his current production I believe Sid will get 65-70 points this year.
      Sorry to say that those numbers are not “Art Ross” trophy numbers.

  3. He’s having a bad year! Geez, be worried if it continues all year, and especially next year. For now, get off his back people!

  4. Playing with Dupuis who never should have been a first liner isn’t going to help him create any time and space to help him get going.

  5. Thanks Rick… Very well done article and addresses the issues. As an individual and an ambassador for the game,Sid Crosby has no equal.He carried the league on his back for the first 5 years since he came in to the league. He drove attendance numbers in many struggling American hockey markets. His elite level of play increased the fan interest which led to the lucrative TV deals that the Pens organization now enjoy. All 30 owners owe a debt to Sidney Crosby.
    He gave away at least 3 million dollars a year,every year in Salary thru out his career in order for the Penguins team to be able to afford better talent and try to win another cup. Who does that ? Some one who cares ! He is very a special individual indeed.
    No one can deny any of the above. My point has been that when does an organization rely on loyalty to its players who gave so much verses the tough economic business decisions needed to move forward.
    It is a very tough choice to do. At least it merits a open and honest discussion about the subject.
    To your credit Rick, you have done that. Thank you.

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