Hank

And how old are they? And how much experience do they have? When Draper was 20 he wasn't even sniffing NHL hockey. Zetterberg? He was barely 165 lbs playing in the SEL. And when Lidstrom joined the team he was a 4th defenseman surrounded by HOFers just trying to do what he could - certainly not given the "C" and told to lead his team and the NHL into the new millenium. I can't wait to see how Crosby is when he's 28 years old and has a team like the Wings surrounding him. For all we know he'll have 5 Cups, 2 Selke's and a crap load of other awards. Until then, cut the kid some slack. You can tell he's frustrated after the losses and isn't handling it well. Big deal. I've seen grown men punch other guys in the head after getting shadowed in a beer league tournament after a loss. This kid is basically being proded into shoveling praise on the team that's dumping on his, on the biggest stage in the world. I'm still surprised at the level of maturity this kid is expected on top of how he's always handled himself. How many threads were started about Sid's crying before these finals? I just checked and the answer is 0. Like Toby mentioned, in the past, I've never heard him say a bad thing about anyone. And he's not saying anything negative about the Wings now. He's simply saying that he believes his team has been in these games and the Wings are going to do what every other team has done to them. Big deal.

You son of a *****!

But do they mean it? This is all part of playoff hockey. What if they started chirping "The Pens have never been in this series", "we've clearly been the better team". Don't you think that would help get the Pens fired up and give them fodder to bring their game to the next level? It's called putting the other team to sleep. They're killing them with kindness and trying to keep the sleeping dog down. Kelly Hrudey said that when he played and went through the handshakes, the same guys that were talking nice to the press were telling him and his Islanders teammates to go 'F*** themselves' after the series was over. There have been several Red Wings that couldn't do that either. The funny thing is, why is everyone only pointing fingers at Crosby? I've heard several of the Pens players not give the Wings their due or complain about the refs and yet Crosby gets all the attention? The same attention you're all supposedly sick of hearing from analysts? Now who's calling the kettle black? The fact is, people will always be jealous of talented superstars. The same people that are bashing Crosby here will never be Crosby fans because of his talent and exposure. I would bet my last dollar that if Crosby were to have it his way he wouldn't have one microphone or spotline in his face. He'd just like to play hockey and be a kid. But some of you DO act and expect him to be more than he is. And while most good parents want their kids to be respectful young adults, 95% of them are doing stupid things, like drinking underage, causing pranks or just being idiots. Whether you see it or not. Crosby's only crime is that he's a great hockey player with huge expecations and those monumental expecations sometimes force the KID in him to display itself. Everyone here loves hockey because it's an emotional sport and we love it when emotion spills into the games (ie. McCarty beating up Lemieux) and yet now these same people want Crosby to stop showing that emotion? Which way do you want it. P.S. I'm the biggest Yzerman-slappy there is. But even the Captain showed moments of unclassy behavoir. Does anyone remember when Probert beat up Domi in the much hyped rematch in the Garden? After Probie beat him, Yzerman was seen on the bench making the 'heavyweight' belt sign that Domi displayed after beating Probie the first fight. That's not exactly the example of class from one of the best and most well respected athletes of our generation. And he wasn't even close to being 20 years old.

Ugh, I hate Bob Duff. He's the sports columnist for the Windsor Star. He's an utter and complete tool (not saying the article isn't accurate). I actually played roller hockey against him in a couple of pick-up games and not only was he a brutal skater but he was the biggest ass on the ice. Every goal his team scored he acted like it won the Stanley Cup. If he got the ball taken from him he'd go balasitic swinging his stick. He's an ass-hat.

Welcome to the boards! Glad to have you here!

I honestly can't even begin to fathom it. I know how I was at 20-years-old. I remember losing my mind during uselss, meaningless softball games, let alone playing in the NHL. It already sounds like most people have made up their minds about #87, but if anyone still has an open mind, read the book " The Rookie: A Season with Sidney Crosby and the New NHL". It gives an excellent look into the life of Crosby and what he deals with on a daily basis. The amount of patience and humbleness he exudes despite all the extractions and commitments is exhasperating. The kid is unreal in how he has dealt with unrealistic expecations and pressures. And he's been doing this since he was 13-years-old. It kind of saddens me that so many people would rather focus in on the flashes of immaturity he displays rather than enjoy the skill he clearly has. Soon he'll be 35 and on his way out of the league and so many bitter, jealous fans will have missed out on one of the greater players to strap on the blades. Having the centre Ice package I've had the pleasure of watching a lot of his games. The vision and skill this kid has is second-to-none in the NHL. I'm still pissed we missed out on him in the 2005 lottery draft.

Well said. Like I've mentioned a few times already, we have grown adults (some of whom have procreated) on these boards that whine and ***** over the stupidest things and yet these same people expect a young kid, with the most pressure of any player in the league, to act like Ghandi when he's losing the most important games of his, or any NHL players career. I'd LOVE to see how some of the members here would be acting in his place. Judging by some of the crying over non-calls in September, I'm thinking suicide.

Has it been so long that none of us remember how Gretzky or Lemieux acted in their playing days? Or even other great like Phil Esposito? Wayne and Mario used to pour whine from their mouths each and every shift they didn't score. Lemieux once referred to the NHL as a 'garbage league' for it's lack of quality officiating. These players have been whacked and hacked since they put skates on. And now, this 20-year-old, who's been asked to put the NHL on his young shoulders, AND lead a very young Pittsburgh team to victory is expected to act like a 20-year vet when he IS getting whacked and hacked? Please. I've really had enough of the Crosby bashing here. Yes, he's whining about not winning. And maybe he's going to have to grow up a bit in order to acheive the respect of such dignitaries as the LGW forum members. But we all need to remember that not every young superstar is Steve Yzerman. Heck, Wayne and Mario could have learned a thing or two about tact and humility from #19. That still doesn't mean that Wayne and Mario weren't, arguably, the greatest offensive weapons this game has ever seen. Crosby will mature. How about we all enjoy the 3-1 series lead and possibly a 4th cup in 11th year instead of worrying about how a 20-year-old is reacting to getting stonewalled in the biggest series of his life. Geez, people here BLOW UP if a call is missed on Filpulla in pre-season and this kid isn't allowed to pipe off from his raw emotions. At least he has them. Most of the other Pens look like they can't wait to start their golf tours.

Great post. Yes, in games 1 and 2, the Wings dominated. But the last 2 games have been very close. And Crosby is an exceptional talent. I love Zetts and Dats, but based on pure offensive talent, the two of them aren't as good as Crosby. And he's only 20. I do agree that he hasn't shown much respect to the Wings in his post-game comments, but like 'wingsownnhl43' said, what's he supposed to say? And I'd love to see how many 20 year olds would react like he has. Heck, there's 30 and 40-somethings on this board that act 1000x more immature than he's acting. And his team is down 3-1 in the Cup Finals. But this kind of talk is expected on this board. Where a villian from another team can be labeled a 'baby' and a 'cheapshot artist' in one moment, and then when they become a Wing, suddenlty they're 'wiley' and 'the ultimate competitor'. I can still remember what kinds of things were said about Chelios prior to 1999. And if we had to play against Maltby in the playoffs, he would be villified to epic proportions.

The Wings have certainly helped. But I have a feeling that Crosby is a big factor as well. I don't know what the fascination is with people piling on, or hating on, Sidney Crosby. This kid will do nothing but good for the league. And for everyone bitching and moaning about the NHL not being present on ESPN, hiding Crosby in the shadows won't answer your prayers. Crosby means big ratings, and that translates into ESPN being interested. I look forward to watching Sid the Kid dominating this league for years to come. Sure, he's not as well rounded as Zetterberg but he's only 20 years old.. Zetterberg was 160 lbs and lightyears away from being the player he is now at 20. Cut the kid some slack. He'll do nothing but good for this league and it's fans.

I agree. He'll make a better winger (his natural position) than a centre at the NHL level. Especially if he got to play with a centre like Zetterberg.

I agree. I'd love to see what this kid could do with Pavel and Hank. I really believe, with the right centre and in the right system, he could be a 30 goal scorer. But the Wings won't give him Holmstrom money. Especially with Z's contract up in 2 seasons, where he'll probably get $7M+. But you never know? Maybe he'd love to have a shot with the Wings. Even if he has to work his way up from the farm. Doubt it though.

Hahaha. I was just kidding. I love him. Bingo-Bango!

I'm not positive on this, but since Wheeler was drafted in 2004, he's not subjected to the 2005 CBA and it's rookie cap rules. Jeff Carter signed a deal in 2005 where the Flyers didn't have to abide by the new rules since he was drafted in 2003.

I would. He has half a lung and a belly full of potato vodka. Easy pickings.

More to the point, Wings management doesn't like to gamble. They'll only make a move or deal if they're nearly 100% certain it's a good one. If Wheeler is turning down an entry-level contract that surpasses most 5th overall kids get, then I'm sure he'll be looking for a deal around the $2-3M range - which is ridiculous. And I don't see the Wings taking a chance on a kid who couldn't even dominate college hockey. I do like his size and speed though and I think he could develop into a Franzen type winger with better wheels. But I see a team like the Leafs or Rangers going after this kid - who could very well turn into the next Jason Bonsignore or Hugh Jessiman.

I think the obstruction Therien is complaining about is how the Wings will bump a player well after they release the puck or how they set 'picks' in the nuetral zone allowing the Wings to enter the offensive zone easier. Saying that, I haven't see much of this at all. It does happen from time to time, but Pittsburgh has been doing it too. I mean, Holmstrom has a possible groin/hernia injury from Hall Gill using the can-opener on him despite being nowhere near the puck. But most people who have no interest in either team are agreeing that there isn't an obstruction issue. I was listening to XM home ice and all the commentators on there agreed that Therien is just trying to deflect two horrible losses away from his squad. It worked though as Franzen's early 1st period penalty was an absolute joke.

I'd rather have SARS on our second line than Sammy.

I'd like to see if the Wings could give him an offer. Very big, speed to burn and is a winger.

To be completely honest, every fansite is like this. LGW is no different. Every loss is due to officiating. Hockey's my favorite sport but I don't hear anything close to the amount of bitching in other sports when it comes to the officials. My favorite is, if your team loses, it's because of the referees. But I've never once, NOT ONCE, seen a thread started saying "Thank you refs for winning us that game". Every win is earned while every loss is because of officiating.

By putting Sammy on every line, including defense! Clearly Sammy is the new Crosby!

Great post Nightfall! I'd also like to see less bitching about the officiating. Yes, there were some bad calls, or non-calls, but we got away with a few ourselves. Sammy should have been called for hooking on Hossa as he was staring at an empty net before the 2nd period came to a close. Just enjoy the games. Despite losing, last nights contest was very entertaining featuring lots of hits, chances and nice goals. I hope that game 4 is just as good but with the Wings coming out on top in the end.

Just to play Devils Advocate, I don't blame NBC for doing this. Sidney Crosby is the face of the NHL. He's 20 years old and already, arguably, the best offensive player in the league. NBC is trying to hang their hat on a recognizable and marketable face to draw in more non-fans. As Wings fans it's upsetting that he gets a lot more air time than the Wings stars, but from a marketing stand-point, it has to be done. We can't take it so personally. This is a business and Crosby is going to be the face of the NHL for the next 15 years. It's no different than the NBA promoting Lebron James over Chance Billup or Rip Hamilton. Flash brings the cash. Exactly. And in my opinion, the one reason why the NHL isn't as popular as it should be is because it promotes teams more than individual players. There's a lot of non-sports watching people in my life and yet every one of them knows who Peytan Manning, Kobe Bryant and Alex Rodriguez are. And back in the day, when a team rolled into the Joe, most fans knew that Quebec meant Sakic, Buffalo meant Lafontaine, Chicago meant Denis Savard, etc. Now it's such a team concept to the point that an opponent is faceless. That's murder for marketing. The NHL needs to get back to face branding. Where everyone in the US knows who Ovechkin, Crosby and Lecavailer are. It's a shame that most people in the US have no clue who Jerome Iginla is. This guy is basically Kevin Garnett of the NBA and yet the NHL does such a sickening job with promoting it's stars, he's unknown south of the border. I like that NBC is promoting the crap out of Crosby. If that means more fans are drawn to this awesome sport we all win. Especially if that translates into the NHL getting a better TV deal with big names like ESPN - which is something 90% of the people here ***** about. You can't have it both ways.

I agree. But when only one guy (Datsyuk) can hit the net, it's hard to score. And as I type this my achiles heal, Sammy, scores. Damn I hate him for making me smile.

I don't know why I even bother to complain about this anymore, but why can't Sammuelson hit the net? What bothers me even more is that he had 2 goals in 15 games before getting moved to the 4th line. And then what does he do? He scores 2 goals in 1 game. You would think he found his niche right? No, Babcock throws him back on the 2nd line where he can trun the puck over again and again by missing the net wide and watching is sail around the boards and out of the zone. In regards to us losing 3-1 at this point, I'm not surprised. All of Theriens crying paid off and it resulted in a PP goal that moved all the momentum to the Penguins. Even Malkin has woken up. This was expected. We'll win a tough game 4 and then finish it in Detroit.