Sidney gets the "A"

[chippa13 1844]

AO is playing on a shit team where as crosby is playing with seasoned vets. he can set up. im loving seeing crosby struggling right now.

As for him getting an "A" bs i think its a joke. after hearing them talk about him on sportsnet lastnight and hearing he's becoming a "cancer" in the room i think it shows a lack of respect for the other vets. i always knew this kid was a little whiner and im glad everyone else can see it now.

Those "vets" on Pittsburgh are showing a lack of respect for themselves and their team with the effort and performance they're putting forth. The way those guys are playing, you wouldn't know they were supposed to be talented.

And Crosby is struggling so much he's only a couple points behind Ovechkin. But why let the facts get in the way of a good argument.

[McCabe24 0]

Well when you factor in the Crosby haters and traditionalists who don't believe in having such a leader so young a decision like this is going to be hugely controversial. I for one think it is too much too soon for Sid, he needs to stick to establishing himself as a player before he takes on added responsibilities like the "A". If Crosby backfires as a player this is going to be one of those added pressures that ruined him but right now it is too early to judge something that has even been able to play out in a game situation. We will see how it goes not only tonight but for years to come. That is, unless the same thing that happened to Lecavalier happens to Crosby, here's hoping it doesn't.

[Miike 1]

AO is playing on a shit team where as crosby is playing with seasoned vets. he can set up. im loving seeing crosby struggling right now.

As for him getting an "A" bs i think its a joke. after hearing them talk about him on sportsnet lastnight and hearing he's becoming a "cancer" in the room i think it shows a lack of respect for the other vets. i always knew this kid was a little whiner and im glad everyone else can see it now.

Those "vets" on Pittsburgh are showing a lack of respect for themselves and their team with the effort and performance they're putting forth. The way those guys are playing, you wouldn't know they were supposed to be talented.

And Crosby is struggling so much he's only a couple points behind Ovechkin. But why let the facts get in the way of a good argument.

The so called 'Vets' like Recchi and Leclair have all had there day. They cant compete in the 'New' NHL. But when you look at it, Crosby is playing on a worse team (8-17-6) compared to Washington (10-17-2), so why is it always the only thing you have to say is "Look at Ovechkin playing on a shit team and still beats Crosby" Crosby doesnt have much more help than Ovechkin has. Crosby being the guy he is, always talking to teammates on and off the ice, and IMO is the only leader that the Pens have as of right now, especially when you have him leading the team in points, considering the other 'big' names you have on that team. He is in the same boat as Ovechkin. I think Crosby deserves an 'A'.

“It’s important to lead by your actions most of all,†he said. “It’s good to communicate, you don’t ever want to worry about that, but to be a leader on the ice and lead by your play is most important. Sometimes actions speak louder than words. I will try to do that.†Crosby Article

[matt 0]

what did he do off ice ? I never heard anything about his off ice actions..

[Chadd 916]

Why is it that Ryan Malone was bashed for his comments earlier in the season and Crosby is made a hero for making the same basic statements?

[chippa13 1844]

I agreed with both Malone and Crosby. If your team isn't putting forth the effort, shame on the players and shame on the coach.

As for Theo, it is the inherent jealousy that you always see when someone is hyped and then comes on the scene. It was the same way when Tiger showed up in the PGA. People blame the individual for the hype.

As for the "no comparison" to their play. Apparently you haven't noticed any of the sick moves and passes that Crosby has pulled off with his great vision. However, I'm guessing you're one of those who believes one goal is more important that three great set-ups.

Crosby on paper has the better supporting cast but that's why we play the games. Those vets on Pitts are showing rust and a lack of effort. They should be better but they aren't playing like it.

Oh, and Ovechkin is a pretty good player who could project into one of the great goal scorers of our time.

It's funny that this thought just hit me. I think I am one of the few people who can defend one without having to crap all over the other. You don't have to hate one to be a fan of the other.

[M-Cohen 0]

I don't believe that any rookie should get capitanship. IMO, Being the capitan means being a leader not only in your play or team leadership but being able to hold the respect that you can only gain by playing a few years in the leauge.

[sherwood21 0]

Just to validate all of your 'who is crosby playing with' statements, Crosby plays with Erik Christensen. A season vet thats for sure :lol:.

As for the 'A', I think that's awesome. He's stepping up and showing leadership beyond his years. That should be a real wake up call to the vets when they see a kid the same age as their's showing them how to do it. I can't understand how people bash an 18 year old kid for stepping up and showing some leadership, I mean come on. Some people here have a vendetta against him..Its like he kicked your dog

[OTHockey96 0]

I like Crosby. I like Ovechkin. But I still think its funny how when Crosby puts down his elders, people spin it like he's just doing what the vets SHOULD be doing.

Do you really think that Mario or anyone else on that team would PUBLICALLY call teamates, and the coach out? I doubt it. Maybe behind the scenes, which I support. But, again, if you go public and say these things, you really are just doing it to highlight the difference in between your(Crosby's) play and the rest of the team's play. It's like saying "Everyone look how good I'm doing, why aren't you playing well Sergei?" I wouldn't have done this if I were Sid. But then again, next year, when his point totals jump up even more, and he gets some more highlight reel goals, we probobly won't care about what he said last year.

[Eazy_b97 1]

Just to validate all of your 'who is crosby playing with' statements, Crosby plays with Erik Christensen. A season vet thats for sure :lol:.

I think he's on a line with Lemieux and Palffy tonight and I usually see him with one (sometimes two) of Malone, Recchi and Palffy.

[ryno 0]

Good for Crosby, apparently no one else wants to step up and lead this "veteran" team. However if he had something to say about Olczyk or any other part of the coaching staff it should have been said behind closed doors, not to the media.

I think Barry Melrose said it best last night. Saying even though he likes Sidney, a veteran of 25 games in the NHL has no business calling out his coach. He also went on to say that everyone on that team should be ashamed of themselves and hang their heads over their lousy play this season that led to Edzo's firing.

[Jim A 4]

Mack, Sandstrom would be good..but they really need Rob Brown..

was there ever a better regular guy to live vicariously through??

-he was the average guy in the right place at the right time

- he dated Alyssa Milano before she passed her prime

-

[Patrick67 1]

We can all agree on it's much easier makeing an assist, compared to a goal, A.O gets the nod in my book but he will most likely be trailing Crosby year after year in the points race.

Looking forward to the day A.O wins the Rocket Richard trophy, something Crosby will never do.

Besides, I think Alyssa Milano would be a bigger improvement in the Pens locker room compared to Rob Brown... ;)

[Jim A 4]

the impression I get of the Penguins nowadays is similar to the first Major League movie..

-when the GM calls Lou to see if he wants to manage and he puts him on hold because a guy is interested in a set of whitewalls

-never mind I can see the ice crew mimicking the grounds crew "they're still sh**ty"

mind you I wasn't suggesting Rob in lieu of Alyssa...haha..

[#94 3]

That's complete horseshit. Excuse my French...

[Edge 0]

he's performed up to the hype in my opinion and I think he has proven himself on the ice...now i havent been in the locker room or around him or that team to decide how good of a captain he is off the ice, but he seems to be a fine one on the ice for his work ethic.

[Andoy 5]

Pittsburgh Penguins = Real Madrid

Both teams have big names but they are a piece or two away from becoming a serious contender. Sometimes it's not a superstar that a team needs but more of a role player. Pittsburgh doesn't have that consistent player on the team yet. When one player struggles it's all over.

I've got mixed feelings with Crosby getting the "A". It may or may not be a good move, we'll see how it pans out in time i guess.

[Chadd 916]

Good for Crosby, apparently no one else wants to step up and lead this "veteran" team. However if he had something to say about Olczyk or any other part of the coaching staff it should have been said behind closed doors, not to the media.

I think Barry Melrose said it best last night. Saying even though he likes Sidney, a veteran of 25 games in the NHL has no business calling out his coach. He also went on to say that everyone on that team should be ashamed of themselves and hang their heads over their lousy play this season that led to Edzo's firing.

Olczyk was Mario's choice to run the team, I wonder how those comments sit with Mario?

[Berger 0]

i think that he will do a good job as being a team leader and a rookie who is standing out in the NHL as much as him will develop him for the future just like Yzerman

[DarkStar50 679]

I could care less about history...Can't live in the past. I am talking about now and what we are seeing in front of our eyes now. Not from 1979.

I am still waiting for an answer chippa on why I am jealous about Crosby, and not about Ovechkin.

Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.

The Pens suck, the vets aren't doing anything to contribute, the coach didn't have a clue, he was doomed for failure, his ring means nothing behind the bench, Mario is not part of the solution, he is part of the problem, and a rookie got sick and tired of all the bs and decided, right or wrong, I care, I'm going to say so, deal with it. "Lead or get out of the way."

Your jealousy issues are for you to explain to us, not us to explain to you.

[DarkStar50 679]

The thing is...He is not leading. The hook him up with the microphone and show him explain things to established players like Recchi and Leclair on the bench, LOL....They give Sidney the dirtiest look almost like they want to slap him in the face. Or else they show him no time of the day, not even aknowledging him when he does it.

So, the veterans are real "team guys?" Big deal if they don't want to hear it from a rookie. Where is their encouragement, their desire to perform as a team, and their ability as veterans to help right the ship? Is this what happened to LeClair in Montreal? Did he get bitch slapped by Guy Carbonneau? Or did the vets in Montreal try to pull a rookie up and improve the player and the team? These vets might want to try to remember they were once rookies, too. They might also want to think about the end of the line. It is definitely staring a lot of them in the face. On that note, there are quite a few vets who didn't return for whom it was actually a good thing. The rest who should have hung it up were signed by Pittsburgh. The proof is in the record.

[Fury of One 6]

I agreed with both Malone and Crosby. If your team isn't putting forth the effort, shame on the players and shame on the coach.

As for Theo, it is the inherent jealousy that you always see when someone is hyped and then comes on the scene. It was the same way when Tiger showed up in the PGA. People blame the individual for the hype.

As for the "no comparison" to their play. Apparently you haven't noticed any of the sick moves and passes that Crosby has pulled off with his great vision. However, I'm guessing you're one of those who believes one goal is more important that three great set-ups.

Crosby on paper has the better supporting cast but that's why we play the games. Those vets on Pitts are showing rust and a lack of effort. They should be better but they aren't playing like it.

Oh, and Ovechkin is a pretty good player who could project into one of the great goal scorers of our time.

It's funny that this thought just hit me. I think I am one of the few people who can defend one without having to crap all over the other. You don't have to hate one to be a fan of the other.

Agreed. It's not Crosby's fault that the media hyped the s**t out of him. Hell, even Gretzky hyped him up. You look at Leclair's, Recchi's and Gonchar's play out there, they look like they could give a flying **** that they're playing. They're just there to collect their paycheck. Meanwhile, you have no-names like Bradley and Eminger giving a 100% that are better than the Recchis and Leclairs giving 50%.

[dietzie27 0]

Agreed. It's not Crosby's fault that the media hyped the s**t out of him. Hell, even Gretzky hyped him up. You look at Leclair's, Recchi's and Gonchar's play out there, they look like they could give a flying **** that they're playing. They're just there to collect their paycheck. Meanwhile, you have no-names like Bradley and Eminger giving a 100% that are better than the Recchis and Leclairs giving 50%.

recchi is one of the few playing like he wants to be there. and everybody says "look at the guys crosby has" what good are they if they are always hurt or dont care? hell if it wasnt for crosby these "talented players" he has would be doing dick and squat.

[ryno 0]

Agreed. It's not Crosby's fault that the media hyped the s**t out of him. Hell, even Gretzky hyped him up. You look at Leclair's, Recchi's and Gonchar's play out there, they look like they could give a flying **** that they're playing. They're just there to collect their paycheck. Meanwhile, you have no-names like Bradley and Eminger giving a 100% that are better than the Recchis and Leclairs giving 50%.

recchi is one of the few playing like he wants to be there. and everybody says "look at the guys crosby has" what good are they if they are always hurt or dont care? hell if it wasnt for crosby these "talented players" he has would be doing dick and squat.

I agree about Recchi, he's one of the few guys I've noticed playing hard anytime I've seen the Pens play this year. I'm not quite sure why Penguins fans/media are bashing LeClair every chance they get. The guy has 15 points in the 24 games he's played this year. He's not the same John LeClair that rattled off how many 50 goal seasons in a row anymore, that's why Philly bought him out in the first place. It seems like Pens fans were expecting him to still be that player though. The money could have been spent better elsewhere but don't blame him, blame Patrick for signing him. Here's another one, why the hell did Therrien send Max Talbot to the minors? That guy was giving all he had every shift, his reward...go back and play in Wilkes-Barre. Seems Pittsburgh could use more players like him. Must be something between him and Therrien from the past, otherwise that move makes no sense.

[Chadd 916]

I thought the Flyers were nuts for signing Recchi to a 5 year $25M deal a few years back but at the end of the contract he was the hardest working player on the team. I will never doubt him or his talent again. He should be the captain on that team.