Penguins Update: Sid and Geno by the Numbers

There seems to be a growing perception among Penguins fans that superstars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin haven’t done much in the playoffs since achieving total domination during the black-and-gold’s Cup run of 2009. This prompted me to do a little research.

Here are Crosby and Malkin’s postseason numbers since ’09, including Games 1-3 of this year’s opening-round series with Columbus:

Player	Games	Goals	Assists	Points	+/-	PPG
Sidney Crosby	36	16	30	46	-1	1.28
Evgeni Malkin	37	12	26	38	-4	1.03

While it ain’t exactly “Two-Headed Monster” output, it’s impressive production for the postseason nonetheless. Frankly, the most alarming stat is the plus/minus. Even though Sid and Geno have averaged better than a point per game, they’ve each been a minus in the playoffs going back through 2010.

Of course, the more immediate concern is the lack of goal production. Both Crosby (eight games) and Malkin (seven games) are mired in the longest postseason goal-scoring droughts of their respective careers.

Veteran sports commentator Stan Savran offered his opinion on the air the other night. He believes Sid and Geno are passing the puck too much. Stan thinks they should shoot more, which would provide more chances to score while creating opportunities for their linemates on rebounds and follow-up shots.

I agree.

Rick Buker