Penguins Update: What’s Wrong With Sid?

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

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.