It’s Sidney Crosby showing he is a constant competitor that keeps his Pittsburgh Penguins in playoff contention. Whether he is being considered for the Hart Trophy as his team’s most valuable player or the Selke Trophy as the best defensive forward, he is enjoying his favourite time of year.
When it’s Playoff Time You Know Sidney Crosby Will Shine
Crosby is the player you want when the game is on the line, you can count on “Sid the kid” to come through with a play that makes the difference. His uncanny ability to not be knocked off the puck makes him a real challenge for every opponent trying to defend against him. His leadership on and off the ice is impeccable. Just when you think you have him figured out he defies all logic and engineers a play that will mystify you as to how he just did that. When it comes to the playoffs there’s no other NHL player you’d want on your team than Sidney Crosby.
The statistics bare that out in a bold display. Crosby has appeared in 160 playoff games over his 11-year career. He has tallied 66 goals, 119 assists for 185 total points. So that comes to 1.16 points per game. He has thrown in 19 power play goals for good measure.
Last season he showed his dominance in the postseason when he scored nine goals, and 12 assists in 12 games. Unfortunately, his Penguins were defeated by the eventual Stanley Cup-winning Washington Capitals in six games in the second round.
His Head Coach Michael Sullivan Raves About Him
“His game is so mature. He knows what it takes to win. He values all aspects of his game, both offensively and defensively,” Sullivan said before struggling to find a compliment worthy of Crosby. “That I think…That this team uses…He…He’s the heartbeat.”
Sidney Crosby is Having Another Record Season
During the current 2018-19 season Crosby is again showing he should be a finalist for the Hart Trophy. In 70 games thus far he has 33 goals, 59 assists for 92 points. It’s easy to see that he adds to the Pittsburgh power play which has a 25.2% success rate with 11 man-advantage tallies himself. Sid is having his best season since 2013-14 when he had 104 points, including 36 goals. He also led the NHL in assists that year with 68.
With just nine games remaining in the regular season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have collected 88 points and stand sixth in the playoff race. There are three teams above them all with 91 points. They would not be where they are without the competitive nature which their captain displays game in and game out.
The Penguins are facing a tough four-game road trip against three playoff teams. They play the Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators, Dallas Stars, and finally the New York Rangers.
Wins are at a premium this time of year as teams are jockeying for a playoff position or even to be in the final eight teams who get to play in the postseason. Even non-playoff teams are not a sure bet to be two points.
Sidney Crosby knows all about that since he is a seasoned veteran and excels when it comes to pressure must-win games. Without exception, he can’t carry his team singlehandedly, but you know he will have plenty to do with the outcome of games.
After all, he is Sidney Crosby.
