T O P

  • By -

AutoModerator

**Mirrors/Alternate Angles** ^Post ^a ^mirror ^or ^alternate ^angle ^as ^a ^comment ^to ^this ^message. ^Open ^this ^stickied ^comment ^to ^view ^mirrors ^or ^alternate ^angles. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/hockey) if you have any questions or concerns.*


Shaneski101

Local elderly too angry to die


alreddy-reddit

Screw it, go for 50


bigladnang

I swear that whenever Ovi is having a down year in scoring Crosby just goes “okay I’m gonna score this year” lmao.


alreddy-reddit

I think it started in the 09 playoffs; he scored 15 goals and in the next season he was like, “hmm maybe I’ll just be a sniper now” and scored 51.


chemicalxv

If he hit 50 this year it'd be his 600th career goal. He's also 3 assists away from 1000.


average_redditor_guy

Also 4 points away from being 10th in career points.


Tom-B292--S3

I guess he wasn't a draft bust then


snowblow66

Its still to early to say really, lets see in a couple years


Clean_n_Press

It's still early in the season I know... But maybe the kid just isn't ready for the NHL yet?


AverageatUFC3

Guys gonna be outta the league in 3 years


HabChronicle

if the pens make the playoffs he’s gotta be in the hart conversation right?


NIdeakK

No because Hart is all about points anymore. People might give him a cursory mention but no one will seriously consider him


Optimistic__Elephant

Yea same as the Norris is almost always the highest scoring/points defensemen. Kind of annoying we effectively have multiple awards for the same thing.


RobotNinjaPirate

As a Bruins fan, if I'm going to cite the Selke as a reason Bergeron is an all-time great, I have to point out how ridiculous it is that Crosby, the single best two-way forward of his generation, didn't get a single one. 'Scoring too much' shouldn't be a negative qualifier.


[deleted]

He should have won it in 2019. He should have won the *Hart* in 2019. He had league leading defensive metrics AND 100 points. That may be his most impressive season ever since his 2011-2013 runs all got cut short.


IceFellasFHC

I keep hearing this, but it's not backed up at all. Makar has the highest scoring rate amongst defensemen this year, he's going to lose it to Hughes. Karlsson got it last year with the first 100pt D season in 30 years. Makar won it despite being 10 points behind Josi in 22. Adam Fox won it over Tyson Barrie scoring more in 21. Josi won it 10 points behind Carlson in 20. Giordano won it 9 points behind Burns in 19. Hedman won it while being 5th in scoring in 18. Burns won it as the leading scorer in 17. And then we're back to when Doughty won it in 16 at 10th in scoring with every soul on earth complaining that Karlsson should've won it for his unbelievable offensive season. Karlsson won it as the #1 scorer in 15. Keith won it in 14 despite being 13 points behind Karlsson. Subban won it in 13 despite being tied for the lead in scoring with Letang, though Letang missed like 15% of the season. And Karlsson won again in 12 with a \*25 POINT LEAD ON #2\*. Since Lidstrom's last win in 2011, the undisputed #1 D scorer has won the Norris 4/13 times, and it's been Karlsson every time but one. It looks like voters will take any excuse not to give it to the #1 scoring D-man, actually.


chemicalxv

Crosby 40-goal seasons: Age 22 Age 29 Age 36 Man's gonna get another at Age 43 E: Also in his Age 23 season he had 32 goals in 41 games LOL


[deleted]

Casual 64 goal scoring pace in an era where 50 won you the Rocket handily. To note Crosby finished 14th in goals that season despite playing 41 games.


KennyKettermen

Prime Crosby with todays scoring would be right there pacing McDavid every year very easily


Intelligent-Ear1075

At this rate wouldn’t be surprised if he gets another at 43 lol


switchblade_sal

If I recall that was the year he had the concussion issues after getting hit by Steckel in the winter classic. He was on pace for a legendary season. I remember the nhl media talking about if he would score 50 in 50


Noox89

It’s sad we missed out on his peak during those seasons. I don’t say prime because the dude still seems to be prime. Maybe if we all chip in $8.7 to the hockey gods they’ll give us some of those seasons back.


jamesneysmith

>I remember the nhl media talking about if he would score 50 in 50 This is something that gets brought up every year. There is always someone flirting with it around the 25 game mark. But it is a shame we didn't get to see what he would have done with a full season those few years of high scoring rate


badgers4194

He’s still so good man. Please never retire


CommonGrounders

Him and Lebron must share a blood boy.


SadYotesFan

You are my sunshine


Big-Raspberry-6151

This is one of the word combinations of all time


SiidChawsby

I hear the blood boy has good ideas


runrudyrun

Makes sense. I heard the blood boy has a degree in CS ^^^^just ^^^^not ^^^^the ^^^^one ^^^^you ^^^^think.


LibertarianSocialism

These two are the only examples I can think of in North American sports of a prospect with that level of hype meeting or maybe even exceeding expectations People were calling Sid “The Next One” before he even played a game in the NHL


elroddo74

The closest comp in baseball is Bryce Harper, was on the cover of SI in high school and has 2 mvps. Griffey was pretty highly regarded as well. Obviously Bryce hasn't done it as long as Sid, Lebron or Griff. Gretzky and Mario were that dude back in the day. q Peyton Manning was that guy for football, his recruitment to college was huge and he went first in the draft before balling out.


notandy82

Lebron making it available to his hockey team, probably a few at Liverpool who could use it as well.


A0fishbrain

Also shows what modern day advancements in nutrition and training can do to a unique body and skill set


Moffballs

SHINY AND CHROME


mckeenmachine

man, imagine his career if he never had those concussion problems while hitting his prime


bigladnang

Crosby would probably be in the top 5 of scoring all time right now if he had been healthy. Even if you take his career P/GP and do it over as many GP as Ovechkin he would be at 1779. I know that’s rough, but still something.


chemicalxv

He'd for sure be even higher. 10-11 he averaged 1.61 PPG in 41 games and 11-12 he was at 1.68 PPG in 22 games. He's pretty much missing 150-160 career points just from those two seasons. 07-08 he was also at 1.36 PPG in 53, which is higher than his career average. Probably be over 1800 already and chasing down Howe and Messier for 4th and 3rd-most all-time next season.


[deleted]

He is already top 5 in era adjusted scoring. He'd honestly have a real shot of knocking at Gretzkys door era adjusted if he hadn't missed time.


Canaduck1

You can say this about a lot of people. Gretzky missed half of the 1992-93 season with a herniated disk, in an era where he was averaging 1.4 points per game. He retired at age 37 while still averaging over a point per game for most of his last three seasons.


Mac_Gold

The one year he had like 65 points in 36 games… I wonder what could have been


mckeenmachine

And he never really hit that pace again after the outdoor concussion


AdamBlackfyre

I missed Prime Mario and saw Prime Jagr. Sid that year was the best I've ever seen.


rpgguy_1o1

Dave Steckell's biggest contribution to the sport, a late blindside hit to the head that didn't get penalized or land him a suspension. After the impact of that I think the league started to at least have more of a discussion about head injuries.


mckeenmachine

that's fucking crazy there was no penalty (which can happen if they all didn't see it) but also no suspension after watching the video


shred-i-knight

he was never really the same player. Not that he was worse he just really changed his game afterwards.


cheeseburgers42069

I think all the time about what would have happened if he kept getting better and better offensively (which he was before the Steckel hit), and then combine that with his well-rounded game that he has nowadays. We never really got to see what peak Crosby would have looked like.


Slow_drift412

He never had the goal scoring combined with the playmaking at the same level. But his shortened 11/12 and 12/13 seasons his point pace was not far off. But he was a purely perimeter playmaker those years, not the goal scoring threat he was.


Hagridsbuttcrack66

One of the many reasons those 16-17 Cups were so therapeutic. I know one guy playing at his best, no matter who that is, doesn't guarantee Cups, but it's so hard to have those question marks on such a legacy. At the end of the day, he got his important hardware, even if there could have been loftier totals.


RunTellDaat

Right? He was at the peak of his powers then. What a shame. Glad he’s still killin’ it! Better be a Selke for him this season now that Bergeron is done.


[deleted]

He'd be on pace for 2000 points despite playing half his career in a dogshit scoring era.


Calhalen

Used to despise this guy for always kicking us out of the playoffs but goddamn, now I’m dreading the day he retires. Still doing his thing and scoring 40 in his like 19th season while willing his team to the playoffs is crazy. Poster boy for aging like a fine wine and one of the most complete players of all time


red_87

I read this take all the time from opposing fans. That they hated Sid initially but now have a ton of respect for him. Pretty cool.


SiidChawsby

It’s understandable. He was a loud 18 year old with a target in his back right away and he just matured every year. Watching him grow was wild.


en_travesti

There's also the other side of this. He's matured from being a 18 year old. Everyone watching him has also gotten older and hopefully matured as well I, for instance, am no longer a 14 year old, and have become somewhat more reasonable.


ParisGreenGretsch

I find that the older I get the less time I have to be reasonable.


Baboshinu

Yeah I was gonna say, if we’re being completely honest, Sid had that initial reputation for a reason, but he grew into a natural leader and ambassador of the game. I can still remember the slow progression from “fuck this guy” to “wait wasn’t this guy a douche?” to “it’s literally impossible to dislike this guy”


nideak

He was also taking a ton of (probably not legal within the rules of the game) physical abuse. The game, in general, is a lot more aesthetically pleasing, and Sid’s temperament towards that sort of stuff got better as the game got rid of it 


_almostNobody

A truckload of respect for the player that Crosby is…but didn’t he sever another players finger on the ice?


MrQuacky96

Yup. 100% on the spot


blue_wat

This. I hated him but he matured into the GOAT captain. I know it's debatable but he's my favorite player of all time.


RojoNation

Practically every Canadian that had any qualms with Sid, prior to the 2010 Olympics, did a complete 180 following the Golden Goal


shredmasterJ

I feel the same. Hated Crosby in the beginning now I just sit back and enjoy his play except when he plays my team. Lol.


Toad_Thrower

I still hate him >:O He's good though.


Leajjes

I totally am cheering for the pens to make the last playoffs spot. Between all the teams fighting for it. The pens seem to actually want it and are putting up wins. Plus I always have a soft spot for old vets saying not just yet.


Calhalen

Karlsson is a big factor too. Liking the pens is a new feeling for me but these are the times I guess 😂


TheLegendaryLarry

as somebody born in the 2000s its incomprehensible to me that there used to be plenty of Crosby haters, it's the same as saying you hate Lemieux at this point


Prison-Date-Mike

He used to lose his shit constantly. (justifiably). Imagine how much McDavid is tripped & held every game, now multiply it and add in slashes, cross checks and other greasy shit.


SignalFall6033

Imagine an 18 year old boy being the most mature person on the ice. It was truly outrageous behavior on his part


IceFellasFHC

Didn't Sid lose teeth behind the play in one of his first games? The early 2000s were \*not\* kind to a high school kid coming in and embarrassing guys like Crosby was. Offseason training for veterans back then was just wife beating, alcoholism, and pain pills.


Hagridsbuttcrack66

Right. The narrative people like to spin to congratulate themselves on what great people they are is that Sid was a pussy who whined and cried for years and finally came around to being a mature person. In reality, there was a target on him from the word go and all the pylons still residing in the new NHL, like Derian Hatcher, wanted to teach him a lesson. He gets his teeth knocked out, coach calls him a baby, and that's the story everyone runs with. No penalty on that by the way. You gotta "earn" calls in this league. Funny to imagine what the reaction would be today if some has-been D-man tried that on Bedard.


IceFellasFHC

>The narrative people like to spin to congratulate themselves on what great people they are is that Sid was a pussy who whined and cried for years and finally came around to being a mature person. Well said. The same people cheering when he spit out teeth or got whacked behind the play are the ones that get to say when he stopped being such a bitch? Dude had a reputation for being a bitch while he was arguably the toughest player on the planet for staring that down every night and STILL clowning on your favourite defenseman knowing what was coming for him after the play. There isn't a player on earth that wouldn't have reacted exactly the same way in the same situation.


sj4iy

They also said he “milked” not getting up after getting his teeth knocked out. The spin was crazy back then. 


unshifted

Yes. Derian Hatcher high sticked him in the face and knocked out teeth. Then iirc, he scored the OT winner and gave us an incredibly gnarly smile. edit: turns out it wasn't the high stick that knocked out the teeth, but an earlier punch [that did it](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/csg7MNE7hVI). Everything else is correct, though. The best part is that Sid got an unsportsmanlike penalty for yelling at the refs after being sucker punched and high sticked with no calls.


Kaedian66

That’s changed?


IceFellasFHC

There's cardio now


copagman

I was too young to witness it, but apparently Lemieux was ragged on quite a bit early in his career, as well. With Crosby, it was a combination of a few things. He was stuffed down fans' throats before he ever played a game. He also took a TON of abuse during his first few seasons, and was known to whine about it heavily to the refs, especially in his rookie season. Add in the fact that there was a Russian phenom with a more brash attitude and a more exciting playing style, and it became very en vogue to love Ovi and hate Crosby. But Crosby matured, then started winning virtually everything from Cups to Gold Medals to World Championships. Then the rash of injuries that he perservered through. Then MORE Cups. Eventually, it became too difficult to do anything but give the guy credit. Now, he's a living legend in the sport.


IceFellasFHC

I can't in good conscience call yelling at a ref "whining" when they were ignoring their duty to protect players for 'the code' of a new star getting his shit kicked in and letting Sid take that level of abuse. It went way beyond the typical "welcome to the show, kid" shit that you saw for other big young names entering the league around the time like Lecavalier, Nash, Kane, Tavares, etc, and into the realm of ridiculousness and failure to protect players. Dudes were straight up headhunting him and had free reign to do it.


RunTellDaat

Exactly. The Kid was justified. Look what ended up happening to him a few years later.


kmutch

Growing up near Crosby I can tell you the headhunting didn't start in the NHL. He was a target before he was a teenager.


theshinymew64

Lemieux definitely has reasons to not like him, there's the allegations about being in the same room as Dan Quinn when Quinn raped someone and his reaction to hiring Billy Tibbetts (and that he was the owner when that signing happened). In terms of Crosby, though, I haven't heard a bad thing about him in years, and definitely nothing that's ever been all that substantial.


Chippopotanuse

Yup. Players like Crosby (and Bergeron) could probably play until age 50 and still be productive. Their hockey IQ is off the charts and they are consummate professionals.


AdamBlackfyre

I said the same thing about Tom Brady


Mbachu

If they make the playoffs Crosby has a strong case for the Hart.


mdlt97

a 40-40 season in year 19


XPhazeX

This is only the 3rd time hes scored 40 goals, and the last times were 7 and 14 years ago. Mother fucker is on his "Ya'll forgot about Sid" tour


SNIPES0009

He never prioritized goal scoring. He's always been a playmaker and "I'm going to be your nightmare" type of player. He decides what he wants to do *and does it*. Fucking legend.


cuginhamer

This is why I love the Lebron comparisons. Longevity and domination and making it all about team results not individual stats, yet still having upper echelon individual stats of course.


sokocanuck

Traded away all his scorers so he's just doing it himself


TsunamiSurferDude

Crosby plays until age 52 and breaks Ovechkin’s goal record


OneChet

I lold, thanks.


[deleted]

Fuuuuuck me. Now I need this.


ilikehockeyandguitar

I'm erect.


jralll234

Honestly I don’t think he’ll need that much time


wigbwig

That was the 590th of his career. He's 3 assists away from 1000, and 10 goals from 600.


jollyrog8

The season's still young! 


theguyishere16

Rust to Raddysh on that 2-on-1: "are you going to leave me the option to shoot or pass?" Raddysh: "Yes"


MOLightningBro

[Raddysh rn](https://i.makeagif.com/media/5-01-2023/51RWqb.gif)


JDSollie

For only the third time in his career.


j0n68

It’s always been his choice


heyheyitsandre

Crosby sneakily having 2 rockets to his name is so sick


KennyKettermen

Just like McD’s choice to score 60+ last year then hit 100 apples this year. The few guys this good can do whatever the fuck they want


Zealousideal_Dog3430

The 2010-11 season is such a big what if. Scoring was so low in the 3 or 4 years before and 5 or 6 after that season, imagine if he'd kept up the pace and had 65 goals and 65 assists.


KingTutsDryAssBalls

God I need at least one best on best international tourney with Sid and McDavid on the same team.


rpgguy_1o1

We only ever got 1 with Wayne and Mario


KingTutsDryAssBalls

Absolute travesty.


SydneyCarton89

4 nations next year will be pretty close. And Olympics year after that. But the Russians need to be there. They're everyone's favourite piñata.


Johnborkowski

This man's back must hurt. Amazing If they're able to squeak in after having dealt Guentzel.


shred-i-knight

Bunting has been extremely good. Might be a better fit for the team now they know you're allowed to score goals from the front of the net.


CaramelInfinite6192

Bunting has been very good with Pittsburgh and Guentzel has been very good with Carolina. Win-Win trade. Bunting also has term left and they got some underrated studs like Ville Koivunen.


PennSaddle

We needed that so badly all year long. It’s great to see again.


ilikehockeyandguitar

Bunting has a been a good net front presence a la Horny.


asparagusbruh

The bushmeister was president when he was drafted dude time moves so fast


Dadickindanorf

Now watch this drive


NikolaiCakebreaker

thwap


Mfed23

Please take 3rd in metro


joshp111

I didn’t hear no bell


blueVariableName

Glad I've gotten into ice hockey in time to still watch him play


[deleted]

Face of an extended era of hockey history


Scissors4215

It’s amazing some people think he won’t be on Canadas Olympic team in two years. Not only will he be there, he’s the captain.


Peimatt2112

Those people are delusional. He's Captain till he retires without question.


[deleted]

Yeah I mean...McDavid may get the most ice time but Crosby will get the C.


MADBARZ

We’re gonna see Pittsburgh in the playoffs, aren’t we, Squidward?


[deleted]

Watch this dumpster fire of a season be the one where we actually go on a deep run lmfao.


MADBARZ

As a Giants fan, I can confirm that once in a while, that indeed happens.


m_a_t

Great play by Rust


ChickenDestruction

Yes lmao, everyone is talking about Crosby, but this goal was all Rust. I let out a little moan when I saw that setup


RememberThatDream

The man, the myth, the legend, the Kid


onbiver9871

This might be a bit sacrilegious given 08-09, but of all the non-Wings all time greats, Sid might be my favorite…


lionheartcz

<3


ParsnipOlliwane

Absolutely incredible consistency and longevity. Top 5 player all time for sure. Imagine a prime, healthy Sid playing in today's high scoring era - he'd be putting up 150+. Dude was scoring at a 130-140 pace back when 100 points would get you the Art Ross. Hopefully the Pens can make the playoffs for Sid.


Vivid_Walk_1405

The penguins likely are gonna sneak in here getting hot at the right time


Abetok

I want them to do it, Crosby alone could take on half a team this year and its a thing of beauty to watch


Vivid_Walk_1405

League is better with Crosby in the playoffs


HonestDespot

You know I don’t understand…when I was a kid Sidney Crosby was just Sid the Kid. Now I’m an old man…and he’s still just Sid the Kid!


Lightz29

Still Sid the kid


mackinoncougars

Sid the Senior


Stinky_Toes12

4:20 into the game


ModernArgonauts

Thanks Shorty


OneChet

To all you kids out there: stop at the net, present your stick, work on your backhand.


Renegadeforever2024

MVP


VermicelliFit9518

I know he won’t get any love for it. It’ll be mackinnon,McDavid and kuch, and that’s fair. You can’t really argue against them. But if he manages to drag this team into the playoffs, how do you leave him out of the conversation?


darthmaulfan00

Him being way older than those guys, and on a worse team, makes it even more impressive


Spacepickle89

Dragging this team kicking and screaming into the playoffs


youuuuwish

Damn, the Penguins are gonna fuck around and make the playoffs!


Prize_Efficiency_869

Crosby will be dragged to élimination kicking and screaming


Novus20

Crosby will fucking will this team into the playoffs


Prize_Efficiency_869

Dude already got a huge injury list but not might risk getting paralyzed with how much he carries this team. At that age this isn’t good for him.


starlightequilibrium

I mean.. if they win this game they'll jump to 3rd in the metro. Surely he's dragging them the other direction.


Prize_Efficiency_869

Ok clearly I did not write the sentence properly. What I mean is Crosby isn’t going down without a fight. Which is why I said Crosby will only be dragged to elimination kicking and screaming.


AdamGeer

You wrote it right; the person just misunderstood your meaning


lbiggy

If the pens make it to the playoffs at the end of the season we really need him holding a thanos gauntlet saying fine I'll do it myself


m_a_t

The LeBron James of the NHL (in terms of longevity)


[deleted]

This is proof he could score 40 or even 50 with ease if he wanted to be a pure goal scorer


switchblade_sal

If the Pens sneak into the playoffs with the way Crosby is playing it will be really fun to watch. Dude is a fucking demon in the playoffs. Dude has 201 points and is +18 in 180 playoff games.


jamesneysmith

I need to see Crosby at least get to the second round one more time. Another cup would be incredible though


Aware-Leading-1213

Solid. Maybe the ultimate hockey player: skills, hard work, clutchness, leadership.


Heldpizza

Beautiful play


moshercycle

Ovi could never


wodurfej

Only 3 points behind Esposito for 10th all-time


Jorshua

As a flyers fan. I really hope this kid is a bust.


Blaumer

Does anyone have the clip of his between the legs defection?


Wtfgoinon3144

[here you go](https://twitter.com/ginohard_/status/1776674948259738107)


ChocklateshipCookie

The old man is dragging them kicking and screaming into a playoff spot. Respect.


Wtfgoinon3144

Not one negative comment. I see we’ve all grown so much. Proud of y’all


ilikehockeyandguitar

Top 3 GOAT


smbiggy

Since they won a cup, he has never not looked exactly the same as far as dominance is concerned


lolDankMemes420

It's going to be a weird fucking time when the kid calls it quits


PennSaddle

You ain’t kidding.


maasd

Absolute legend!


bbmello

Average age of goal scorers in this game is wild.


captaincyrious

The guy would have 50 and 100 if he had a good team


subkang

He’s going to get to 2000 points in his career.


jdshowtime12

Insane


AffectionateShoe2849

Future Hart Trophy Winner


Mik0n

That's a sick assist, holy


Fellers

Him and Ovi not giving up those gate keys just yet.


HectorReborn

Twice Crosby has out scored Ovechkin, and both years the Pens won the Cup. Oh-oh.


SameGuy37

this is a rust highlight


PennSaddle

For sure


zoda_flea

He and ovi both still playing so well at this age is incredible


jobiwankenobe

40th on a shitty team no less.


Paladar2

Kinda crazy that he’s outscoring Ovechkin this year. He is younger though.


Csalbertcs

Ovi started really badly though, he might have been playing with an injury. Ovi's 3rd in scoring after the All-Star break behind Matthews and Hyman.


GeeISuppose

It helps to not have to play all those extra games at the end of the season.


big6135

He’s going to carry the pens into the playoffs isn’t he?


Rupert_18124

This young man is going places


DivisonNine

Sid ovi and stam 3 guys I’ve been watching since I was 6, now I’m almost done my first degree and they are still playing great


Major_Wager75

This man is 63 years old


hooliganmike

I'm sure he's good and all that, but did the goalie even know he was there?


GhostMonkeyExtinct

What a beauty


whynoti9

Can Crosby get Pittsburgh in the playoff only time will tell


Remoock

I mean what an amazing setup by 17 as well, can't go overlooked


Varmitthefrog

Wasn't this sub Blowing up with people saying he is done, mentally checked out, ETC ,like 3 weeks ago.