Should Crosby Give Up His C?

by Stros Bro on Jan 22, 2012 11:34 PM EST

Okay just hear me out before you push me off the ledge... First, I'm not saying that Crosby should do it because I don't think he'll be back again(although I am in the crowd that doubts he'll play again this season). But really the concussion and injuries and missed games has little to do with my main reason for even thinking about this. And trust me... it's just a thought, I'm not even sure if I think it would be a good idea.

It's pretty obvious that when Sid is in the lineup, Malkin is a different player. Maybe it's just coincidence(which I tend to doubt), but it's been a pretty consistent history with Malkin that he plays on a different level when he's having to carry the extra weight for missing Sid.

We all know about how Malkin always enters the ice last "because he's played pro longer" or whatever his reasoning is... and it seems very obvious to me that Malkin has a pretty big ego. I'm not saying he's conceded or an egotistical person, but I get the feeling that when Sid is playing, he doesn't perform as well because it's like he's in Sid's shadow. He's just another player while Sid gets all the media attention in the world... Sid is Hockey.

On the other hand, I don't get this impression from Sid. I feel that even with his talent level(that I feel is higher than Malkin's), he doesn't have to have the spot light... he doesn't have to wear the C. I don't think that would change his game at all... I feel that if you gave Malkin the C, gave Crosby an A(when he gets back), that Malkin may(totally hypothetical) keep playing at the level he currently is(you know... the level where he's basically the best player in hockey) and maybe... just maybe you could have Malkin doing what he's doing, and Crosby doing what he's always done.

No way would the team ever take the C away from Crosby... but if Crosby were to give it up himself...

I realize a lot of bad could come from this... a lot of people would see it as Crosby giving up on the comeback and basically retiring. Anyways, it was just a thought.

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It’s pretty obvious that when Sid is in the lineup, Malkin is a different player. Maybe it’s just coincidence(which I tend to doubt), but it’s been a pretty consistent history with Malkin that he plays on a different level when he’s having to carry the extra weight for missing Sid.

Malkin played 82 games in 08-09 and Sid played 77 games that season. Malkin won the Art Ross and the Conn Smythe, which pretty clearly shows your claim isn’t really true.

but I get the feeling that when Sid is playing, he doesn’t perform as well because it’s like he’s in Sid’s shadow. He’s just another player while Sid gets all the media attention in the world… Sid is Hockey.

See above.

Hockey Blogger at Pensburgh.com

by GoPens! on Jan 23, 2012 12:18 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

This question is akin to the one asked in the movie “40 year old virgin”: Is it true that if you don’t use it, you lose it? To which I can only reply with the following: Is that a serious question?!?

by NoVAPensFan on Jan 23, 2012 12:36 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

The only reason I believe Crosby should give up the C is if he is not coming back ever. The team is doing fine without a C in the lineup right now and he is IMO the absolute best for to wear it as well.

by xaryss on Jan 23, 2012 6:56 AM EST via mobile reply actions

Worthy to wear the C

All most NHL teams have their best players wearing the C. The statement “Lead by example.” However, I want my captain who is not afraid to challenge teammates verbally in and out of locker room. Respected and inspired by every teammate because he, “Walks the Talk.”
My captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins without a doubt should be BROOKS ORPICK~!

by GeorgeQUAD on Feb 20, 2012 4:02 PM EST up reply actions

Somehow, I think Geno would be one of the loudest to shout this suggestion down.

by SuMac on Jan 23, 2012 10:00 AM EST reply actions 3 recs

yeah, he’s always seemed happy behind Sid

by JackCampbell on Jan 29, 2012 10:25 PM EST up reply actions

I went back and did some statistical research to see if it supported my claim that Malkin plays better when Crosby is out. I went back to the 2008-2009 season since that was basically Malkin’s best season and only included regular season games. No specific reason for that date.

I show Crosby has played 207 games, Malkin 233. Of those games, I show that Malkin has played 39 games when Sid was hurt or out of the lineup.

And to the stats

Without Sid
*39 games
*48 points, 28 assists, 20 goals for 1.23 PPG

With Sid
*194 games played
*237 points, 153 assists, 84 goals, 1.22 PPG

I guess I’ll have to admit my initial thoughts were wrong. :) From watching the games I never would have guessed the stats would have been that close. It’s always seemed that Malkin steps his game up when Sid is out.

The stats don’t really say much about the tendencies of Malkin… maybe if Malkin wouldn’t have been hurt as much as he has been and played more games while Crosby was out there would be a more data to go by.

You could say that Malkin scores more since his assist to goal ratio in games that both play is 1.82/1 and in games that Crosby doesn’t play is just 1.4 to 1. But a lot of that could be attributed to the lower number of games played and therefore less data.

There's an 87% chance this post is sarcasm...

by Stros Bro on Jan 23, 2012 12:00 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

I appreciate you going back to look at those stats. Interesting to see.

I think, in the end, we all agree that this team and its fans are supremely blessed to have two such excellent players who consistently find a way to help this team win. And, they do this while seemingly setting egos aside and insuring personal goals are present but structured for the overall welfare of the team.

by SuMac on Jan 23, 2012 2:36 PM EST up reply actions

I think, in the end, we all agree that this team and its fans are supremely blessed to have two such excellent players who consistently find a way to help this team win.

The best part is that this is the second time in my life that I have gotten to see this. first I grow up watching Mario and Jags, now I get to see Sid and Geno. The hockey gods do seem to like Pittsburgh.

Put on your dancin' shoes.

by PensFan024 on Feb 3, 2012 5:06 PM EST up reply actions

Great stats work.

Late to the party here, but cool to see some added reflection on this.

I don’t like the idea of Sid giving up the C simply because it’d be a slight against him. I’d worry about his frame of mind and health if he ever gave it up of his own volition.

by Stephen Catanese on Jan 24, 2012 1:28 AM EST up reply actions

Sid won’t and shouldn’t give up the C.
He leads by example and that act of quitting or that expression of doubt would ripple through the dressing room.

by vodkasoda on Jan 23, 2012 9:24 PM EST reply actions

nope

The only reasons a captain will generally lose the C are (a) retirement, (b) really, really ineffective play, or © the team needs to send a message to the player, a la Patrick Marleau in San Jose. So I think it belongs to Sid as long as he plans to play.

I’m also not sure where the “ego” thing comes from, where Malkin is concerned. Given his talents and the A on his jersey, other players are going to look to him for leadership, and he seems to be embracing that more than he has in years past. And, of course, we’re talking about a player who’s achieved a lot in the NHL. But he’s always seemed pretty self-effacing and team-first to me. In other words, I’m sure he has an ego, but I’m not sure it’s more than his accomplishments and the situation call for.

P is for Latrobe.

by holiday park on Jan 24, 2012 11:43 AM EST reply actions