All losses are not created equal. Anyone who watched the implosion of the Pittsburgh Penguins last night in their playoff loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets can attest to that. After scoring three goals in a span of five minutes, the Pens charged out to a 3-0 first-period lead, and what looked to be a commanding three-games-to-one advantage heading back to Pittsburgh.
Unfortunately, for the Penguins, the Blue Jackets did not get the memo. With their backs to the wall, and the series on the brink, the Blue Jackets fought all the way back for a 4-3 overtime win. For Columbus, it’s a whole new series. For the Penguins, it’s about picking up the pieces after an incredible Game 4 collapse.
In the wake of such a tough loss, many people are looking for a scapegoat. Is it Dan Bylsma? It was his team that seemed to lose any sense of purpose or urgency after going up big early.
What about Kris Letang? Another game that was painful to watch when it came to the Pens defenseman.
In any discussion related to finding scapegoats in the playoffs, it’s impossible to forget about Marc-Andre Fleury. In spite of a 44-save performance, few will forget the two late goals that would eventually seal the Penguins’ fate. Another playoff loss placed on Fleury’s shoulders; we have found our scapegoat.
Or have we?
Though any number of Penguins shoulder the blame for year five of playoff shortcomings and disappointment, one player, Sidney Crosby, seemingly has avoided that criticism.
I think its time to ask; why does Crosby get off so easy?
Nobody will question the incredible career numbers or accomplishments of the Pens captain and face of the franchise. However, its hard not to see that when it gets to the playoffs, Crosby has struggled, especially in recent years. For all the talk of dominant play, of being the best player in world, its hard not to look at Crosby and see a player who has been far from a game changer.
When the Penguins needed their best player to come up with a crucial goal in a four-game sweep to the Boston Bruins last season, Crosby was no where to be found. People remember they got swept in that Eastern Conference final, but often forget that games three and four were tight one goal contests, including a double OT loss where just one goal by #87 could have tipped the scales in the Pens favor.
Who knows what happens if they get that game-changing goal. Therein lies the problem. It’s not just that Crosby is not scoring goals, he’s not scoring them in key moments. The stat that keeps making rounds is the fact that Crosby has gone nine playoff games without a goal.
Thats certainly an eye-popping statistic, no question. However, how about the fact that Crosby has never scored a OT winner in the playoffs?
Whats more, another eye-popping statistic is Crosby does not have a third period playoff goal in over 30 games. Hard to believe, right?
In other words, when its time to be the best player in the world, to put the team on his shoulders, Crosby has become invisible. I watched Patrick Kane come up with a huge OT winner against the Blues last night. Big moment, great player, game winner. No excuses, just making a play when his team needs him.
The difference? Kane did not defer to others; he did not look to make the extra pass; he was aggressive; he took the shot; he would not be denied.
Anyone else remember seeing that player watching Crosby lately? We’ve got a glimpse from time to time. An impressive hat trick against an overmatched Ottawa squad last season being the best example. That’s one game, but what about all the other critical playoff games where the goals never came?
Its easy to make excuses for Crosby. He lost a critical line mate in Pascal Dupuis, and it’s not like its been a portrait of stability in terms of the Pens line up from game to game with the amazing number of injuries that go beyond the loss of Dupuis. However, with all the injuries, and the need for Crosby to be the best player in the world more than ever, we still wait for that crucial goal, that game-defining play.
Though many other players can rightfully shoulder their fair share of the blame, its time to ask, when does the prohibitive favorite to win the Hart Trophy come up big for his team in the playoffs? Its time for Crosby to show why he has long been considered the best player in hockey. Not with another assist, not by winning face offs, but by scoring key goals that get the Penguins past a team that has no business beating the Pens.
No more excuses. Its time for the worlds greatest player to be exactly that.
