What’s wrong with Sid? I wish I knew.
The joy has gone out of his game. Sidney Crosby looks like he can’t wait for the season to be over. His effort doesn’t reflect that. Everything else does. Crosby looks like a prisoner of war. Like he just checked into the Hanoi Hilton.
After the Penguins lost Game 5 to the New York Rangers at Consol Energy Center, I inquired after Crosby’s apparent discontent. He declined much conversation.
But, if I had to guess…
-- He’s not playing well. Duh. Crosby has 10 goals in his last 41 games, and just one in 12 playoff games. He’s trying, but doesn’t appear close to erupting. Crosby has trouble with the most elementary of tasks. Even catching a pass is a trial.
-- He’s hurt. But I don’t think so. I don’t believe Crosby is hiding anything.
-- He’s sick of the Rangers’ Marc Staal using his head for a piñata. The referees don’t protect him. Neither do Crosby’s teammates. Kris Letang intervened on Crosby’s behalf at the end of Game 6. Star defends star. How can the lesser lights look themselves in the mirror? What does coach Dan Bylsma dictate? That score could have been evened in the final period of the already-decided Game 5.
-- There’s a disconnect between Crosby and Bylsma. The two have been seen exchanging words on the bench. A player like Crosby prefers structure and accountability, and Bylsma doesn’t provide enough. It needs to be more like work.
-- He’s weary of not having quality linemates. Evgeni Malkin is great, but the two-headed monster doesn’t work long-term. Chris Kunitz is a Crosby creation, and he’s struggling right now. Lee Stempniak? Brian Gibbons? Come on. Crosby is too often asked to elevate lesser talents. That can’t be done indefinitely.
-- He knows the Penguins aren’t good enough. This is the one to bet on. Crosby sees this window of opportunity slamming shut. One Stanley Cup isn’t adequate.
All this is pure speculation. We may never know what’s wrong with Crosby.
I’m not making excuses on Crosby’s behalf. He doesn’t need that.
But this is crazy. If Crosby has ever looked worse, it’s hard to remember.
The Penguins have paid Crosby well. But Crosby has earned it. And he’s done so without a true peer on wing except for 32 games with Marian Hossa in 2008.
The Penguins drafted six defensemen in the first two rounds between 2009-12, including four in the first round. Did GM Ray Shero really need to bring Rob Scuderi back? Wouldn’t that money have been better spent on a wing? Wouldn’t a couple of those high draft picks have been better used on wings?
Who has had less proper weaponry to work with: Crosby or Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger? Malkin hasn’t had any better.
The Penguins must do better by Crosby. For their own good, and for his sanity.
For tonight’s Game 7, Crosby and Malkin should skate on separate lines. If they play together, that line has to score at least twice if the Penguins are to win. The production isn’t there.
Using James Neal on Crosby’s wing might work. The pure shooter with the pure passer. Malkin too often defers to Neal. Try Malkin with Kunitz.
Mark Madden hosts a radio show 3-6 p.m. weekdays on WXDX-FM (105.9).
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