Crosby post game Q and A

[shanny is the man 0]

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.

Speaking as an adult (who has procreated by the way) I take nothing away from Crosby as a talent and I don't expect Ghandi-like behavior from a 20-year-old. I just don't like his demeanor when things aren't going his way. The presser didn't bother me as much as jawing at Zetterberg after the game, He's still a professional athlete and certain behaviors should be expected of him. He needs to grow up (I know he's just 20) and learn take the bad with the good...the same thing I try to instill in my son.

[esteef 2,679]

Just because he's young and will eventually mature doesn't mean we all can't have fun laughing at his dumb ass right now!

Suck it Golden Boy!!!

esteef

[toby91_ca 620]

Not to jump in where I don't belong, just listen to the press conferences after the game 4 win.

Lids, Zetterberg, Draper, Ozzie, et all were praising the Pens and their play.

To expand upon that thought, Ozzie complimented Hossa, saying that it takes world class hands to make that play. The wings have even complimented Malkin who has been near invisible this series.

Now Crosby may or may not have said that Z is a good player, however what is certain is he downplayed that particular play in a way that makes him appear to have little class (which is fine if you are not the captain) and to be disrespectful of what Z is doing to him. Most players slumping when they have been shut down by a particular player or line would say so, not the Pens, Malkin's tired, the wings are obstructing, Sidney is interfered with on every play, blah blah blah I said this before and until Sid learns it the Stanley cup will be hard for him to reach, but

There are no excuses in playoff hockey just wins and losses!

Lids, Zetterberg, Draper and Ozzie are in a bit of different situation....just having gone up 3-1 and ready to win the Cup, vs. Crosby, who has just gone down 3-1 and ready to lose the series, being asked about his team's failure to score on the 5-3 and asked to comment on the play of Zetterberg. If I was in his shoes, I would have been so pissed, I would not want to be sitting there answering any questions at all, he must have been so frustrated. When you consider that, I don't have a problem at all with how he conducted himself.

I say this based on seeing other press conferences of his, or general public speaking. He always, always downplays his role and points to his teammates as being very important, he compliments other players around the league, etc.

[Hank 0]

Not to jump in where I don't belong, just listen to the press conferences after the game 4 win.

Lids, Zetterberg, Draper, Ozzie, et all were praising the Pens and their play.

To expand upon that thought, Ozzie complimented Hossa, saying that it takes world class hands to make that play. The wings have even complimented Malkin who has been near invisible this series.

Now Crosby may or may not have said that Z is a good player, however what is certain is he downplayed that particular play in a way that makes him appear to have little class (which is fine if you are not the captain) and to be disrespectful of what Z is doing to him. Most players slumping when they have been shut down by a particular player or line would say so, not the Pens, Malkin's tired, the wings are obstructing, Sidney is interfered with on every play, blah blah blah I said this before and until Sid learns it the Stanley cup will be hard for him to reach, but

There are no excuses in playoff hockey just wins and losses!

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.

Speaking as an adult (who has procreated by the way) I take nothing away from Crosby as a talent and I don't expect Ghandi-like behavior from a 20-year-old. I just don't like his demeanor when things aren't going his way. The presser didn't bother me as much as jawing at Zetterberg after the game, He's still a professional athlete and certain behaviors should be expected of him. He needs to grow up (I know he's just 20) and learn take the bad with the good...the same thing I try to instill in my son.

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.

[shanny is the man 0]

Lids, Zetterberg, Draper and Ozzie are in a bit of different situation....just having gone up 3-1 and ready to win the Cup, vs. Crosby, who has just gone down 3-1 and ready to lose the series, being asked about his team's failure to score on the 5-3 and asked to comment on the play of Zetterberg. If I was in his shoes, I would have been so pissed, I would not want to be sitting there answering any questions at all, he must have been so frustrated. When you consider that, I don't have a problem at all with how he conducted himself.

I say this based on seeing other press conferences of his, or general public speaking. He always, always downplays his role and points to his teammates as being very important, he compliments other players around the league, etc.

I can guarantee you, you will NEVER hear Lids, Zetterberg, Draper or Ozzie, win or lose, take the low road. They never have.

Also, if a player doesn't want to answer questions especially after a loss in a tough SCF maybe he shouldn't be the team's captain, especially if the hockey world has been his oyster up until now and he's making $8.7 million or whatever he makes a year.

[TrueBlueblood 0]

What Cindy meant to say:

"He didn't do anything out of the ordinary because I"M the greatest hockey player that has ever lived! I'm taking my puck and going home to my mommie!"

[Opie 308]

That's the point Hank, not what their intentions are, it is what they say.

I also don't think you can compare heat of the moment in the game actions like Yzerman's or even Sid's at the end of the game, to a press conference.

[shanny is the man 0]

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.

It has nothing to do w/ jealousy for me, of that I can assure you.

But if he doesn't want microphones or spotlines in his face and justs wants like to play hockey and be a kid then he shouldn't be the team captain until he can handle it.

[TrueBlueblood 0]

Speaking as an adult (who has procreated by the way) I take nothing away from Crosby as a talent and I don't expect Ghandi-like behavior from a 20-year-old. I just don't like his demeanor when things aren't going his way. The presser didn't bother me as much as jawing at Zetterberg after the game, He's still a professional athlete and certain behaviors should be expected of him. He needs to grow up (I know he's just 20) and learn take the bad with the good...the same thing I try to instill in my son.

The thing is that he's been in the league for 3 years now, going on 4, and he should know better by now. It's obvious that all the worship he gets in the media has him thinking he's entitled to special treatment. He needs to be "straightened out" so to speak.

Edited June 2, 2008 by TrueBlueblood

[Hank 0]

I can guarantee you, you will NEVER hear Lids, Zetterberg, Draper or Ozzie, win or lose, take the low road. They never have.

Also, if a player doesn't want to answer questions especially after a loss in a tough SCF maybe he shouldn't be the team's captain, especially if the hockey world has been his oyster up until now and he's making $8.7 million or whatever he makes a year.

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.

[Hank 0]

It has nothing to do w/ jealousy for me, of that I can assure you.

But if he doesn't want microphones or spotlines in his face and justs wants like to play hockey and be a kid then he shouldn't be the team captain until he can handle it.

Do you really think it's in his nature to say 'no' to a challenge? He's never backed down before and in Sid's mind he's doing exactly what a Captain should.

Do you think Yzerman would get up there and say "Man are we getting killed! We have no answer for them!". I'm sure that instills a lot of confidence in the other 17 players on the bench.

People here are just looking to start fights about anything. Which I guess is exactly the point of message boards every where.

[Hank 0]

The thing is that he's been in the league for 3 years now, going on 4, and he should know better by now. It's obvious that all the worship he gets in the media has him thinking he's entitled to special treatment. He needs to be "straightened out" so to speak.

Ugh. And how on earth do you know that?

For 3 years this kid has shown nothing but class. He's been a Canadian superstar since he was 13 years old, with cameras in his face. Nobody has ever seen him act like a spoiled, entitled punk.

He still lives in Lemeiux's basement for crying out loud! He's not some blinged-up idiot from the NBA.

The thing that makes me so angry about this discussion is that those complaining about him, a great majority of you have never seen him or watched him until now. If it doesn't happen in the bubble of Detroit Red Wing hockey, it doesn't exist.

Read some of the books about this kid. Read some articles that have been written about him before his NHL career and during.

If anyone actually did their research instead of piping off because the kid didn't suck Lidstrom's or Zetterbergs ass after every post-game interview, you'd know what kind of man he is. How much work he does in hospitals with sick kids.

How he forced his sponser, Reebok, to dress and equip an entire pee-wee team from his home town who couldn't afford socks or jerseys.

Or how he'll sign every autograph for kids until they've all gotten one. Some times the bus drivers and his fellow teammates have to yell at him to get on the bus. Does that sound like a self-centered superstar that beleives he deserves everything?

For all the fame and wealth he's seen, this kid is not self-centred or believes he's owed anything. Please try to do some reading on the subject before jumping to conclusions.

Gretzky, Howe, Lemieux and even Yzerman have met Crosby and they have nothing but glowing things to say about him.

I even spoke with Ted Lindsey last winter who remarked how he got a chance to sit down with Crosby. He said the level of maturity and humbleness this kid has is amazing.

That's the point Hank, not what their intentions are, it is what they say.

I also don't think you can compare heat of the moment in the game actions like Yzerman's or even Sid's at the end of the game, to a press conference.

But he was still in his undressed when he was answering questions. You don't think emotions linger?

How many people here defended Chelios for not shaking the hands of the Ducks after last years exit? And this is a 20-year vet in the league! Compared to what Crosby has done, Chelios's actions are 10000x worse!

I didn't see 1/10 the outrage over those actions.

Edited June 2, 2008 by Hank

[seeinred 1,488]

If anyone actually did their research instead of piping off because the kid didn't suck Lidstrom's or Zetterbergs ass after every post-game interview, you'd know what kind of man he is. How much work he does in hospitals with sick kids.

How he forced his sponser, Reebok, to dress and equip an entire pee-wee team from his home town who couldn't afford socks or jerseys.

Or how he'll sign every autograph for kids until they've all gotten one. Some times the bus drivers and his fellow teammates have to yell at him to get on the bus. Does that sound like a self-centered superstar that beleives he deserves everything?

For all the fame and wealth he's seen, this kid is not self-centred or believes he's owed anything. Please try to do some reading on the subject before jumping to conclusions.

Terrific story. Completely irrelevant to what other people are saying. Some people think his words/actions on the ice/at press conferences demonstrate a lack of maturity. Pointing to other (unrelated) things he does as charity isn't going to go very far in changing people's minds.

[Opie 308]

Hank,

I don't defend Cheli's actions, I think what he did was very rude and unsportsmanlike.

No matter how pissed you are, you line up with your teammates, you show that you handle defeat as well as you do success. Even if internally you are about to explode.

The whole time Sidney has been saying things like I don't think they outplayed us or I don't think they had more chances then us, when getting beaten 4-0 and 3-0. Well then what was the problem, is he blaming his teammates, is the goalie to blame, is Malkin to blame?

The kid is not mature enough to handle being the C, the only reason he is the captain is because the team thought it would be a good PR move.

Is he a incredibly gifted offensive talent, YES, is he top one of the top 5 players in the league, YES, however he doesn't play D well at all YET, and he is not much of a team guy imo, he deflects blame to others and accepts success on his shoulders. *At least from what I have seen and heard of him.* IMO the team would be better off right now with Malkin being their focal point (not captain) he did much better and so did the team with Sidney out.

To me it is the Arod phenomenon, whenever Arod leaves, the team is inevitably better. Is it because Arod sucks (he he), no, to me it is because people expect him to carry the load and don't work as hard with him. When the superstar is gone everyone steps it up a little. Not Sid's fault, just seems to be the nature of the beast. When you are labeled the next Great one or MJ or whomever else, people automatically expect more of you, regardless of what you can do.

[shanny is the man 0]

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.

I understand its hard to show composure when things aren't going one's way at a young age. But Crosby has welcomed the spotlight and biggest stage in world and hasn't handled it well, as you put it.

You say you're "still surprised at the level of maturity this kid is expected on top of how he's always handled himself." Well, I'm sure its easier to be graceful to your opponent when you're doing well. But Crosby won't be a true grownup until he's able to "look victory and defeat in the eye and treat them both the same."

[Hank 0]

I understand its hard to show composure when things aren't going one's way at a young age. But Crosby has welcomed the spotlight and biggest stage in world and hasn't handled it well, as you put it.

You say you're "still surprised at the level of maturity this kid is expected on top of how he's always handled himself." Well, I'm sure its easier to be graceful to your opponent when you're doing well. But Crosby won't be a true grownup until he's able to "look victory and defeat in the eye and treat them both the same."

Beleive it or not, I understand where people are coming from. I'm not saying I don't get annoyed that he can't say more positive things about a team that his down 3-1 in the finals. I just understand, as a 20-year-old, what he must be thinking.

And yes, I do believe he's too young to be a captain and like Opie pointed out, it was more of a PR move. An older vet like Roberts or Gonchar should have gotten it.

I'd just prefer to enjoy the games and what Crosby brings to them, and the fact we're 1 game away from another Cup than worry about what someone else says or doesn't say.

In the end, I guess my point is, as good as Crosby has been, it's hard to expect him to act like a 10-year vet when he can't even legally drink in the US yet.

Crosby is an ultimate compitotor and he hates losing. Sure, he needs to channel his emotions better after games, but that comes with getting older and experiencing losses.

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Crosby will do nothing but heap praise on the Wings and Babcock after Detroit wins tonight.

Most of what he is saying is just a ploy to rally his teammates. He's just not very versed in how that should be done properly.

[TrueBlueblood 0]

I understand its hard to show composure when things aren't going one's way at a young age. But Crosby has welcomed the spotlight and biggest stage in world and hasn't handled it well, as you put it.

You say you're "still surprised at the level of maturity this kid is expected on top of how he's always handled himself." Well, I'm sure its easier to be graceful to your opponent when you're doing well. But Crosby won't be a true grownup until he's able to "look victory and defeat in the eye and treat them both the same."

Exactly, Shanny. He should learn humility. Three years in the league, he should have learned some by now.

[betterREDthandead 58]

Exactly, Shanny. He should learn humility. Three years in the league, he should have learned some by now.

Who's he supposed to learn it from? Obviously his coach isn't providing an example.

[seeinred 1,488]

Most of what he is saying is just a ploy to rally his teammates. He's just not very versed in how that should be done properly.

That actually makes a lot sense.

[shanny is the man 0]

Do you really think it's in his nature to say 'no' to a challenge? He's never backed down before and in Sid's mind he's doing exactly what a Captain should.

Do you think Yzerman would get up there and say "Man are we getting killed! We have no answer for them!". I'm sure that instills a lot of confidence in the other 17 players on the bench.

People here are just looking to start fights about anything. Which I guess is exactly the point of message boards every where.

Hank. I am not trying to start a fight wth anyone and I take offense.

I'm not asking Crosby to grovel at the Wings feet and I'm not blaming him for accepting the captain's "C". I'm saying that he needs to be aware of the image people may have of him and that a captain, like a head coach, shouldn't be spouting off about the injustce of the refs or jawing at the opposition after a game.

Of course, in his mind he's doing exactly what he thinks a captain should be doing. My point is that perhas because of of his maturity level he doesn't really know how he should be reacting.

[TrueBlueblood 0]

Who's he supposed to learn it from? Obviously his coach isn't providing an example.

A good shot on the kisser from an opponent can go a long way.

[Hank 0]

Hank. I am not trying to start a fight wth anyone and I take offense.

I'm not asking Crosby to grovel at the Wings feet and I'm not blaming him for accepting the captain's "C". I'm saying that he needs to be aware of the image people may have of him and that a captain, like a head coach, shouldn't be spouting off about the injustce of the refs or jawing at the opposition after a game.

Of course, in his mind he's doing exactly what he thinks a captain should be doing. My point is that perhas because of of his maturity level he doesn't really know how he should be reacting.

I agree and I can fully understand that view.

I just don't understand the personal attacks on him (not saying you did any of that).

He's only a kid and he hasn't learned how to 'speak' like a captain yet.

It's the claims that he 'lacks humility' or he 'lacks class' that I feel are uncalled for. He's not an a**hole or self-centered simply because he hasn't learned the art of post-game interviews following Stanley Cup Finals losses.

[Opie 308]

Who's he supposed to learn it from? Obviously his coach isn't providing an example.

This to me is the hammer hitting the nail right on the head!!!! Great post!!!!

Who did Z and Dats learn from, who is Kronwall and Lebda learning from.

Hell even Babs has a guy in the system that has been there done that, and Babs has no problems saying hey Scotty what do you think the coach will do in this situation.

I don't blame Crosby, I just disagree with the outcome which happens to come from his mouth.

But look and listening closely he is almost parroting his coach's actions and words.

I really am surprised that he doesn't have more Mario in him.

Say what you want, but IMO, Mario was all class!!!

Sid is a 20 year old, not an immature 20 year old, he is just a 20 year old, very few 20 year old kids can take on the kind of responsibility of the C.

The Org is not helping very much, sure they put the players around him to take him to the SCF, but they are not helping foster Sidney Crosby the person, they are trying to foster Sidney Crosby the myth, the legend, the penguin!

[Dabura 12,232]

Just because he's young and will eventually mature doesn't mean we all can't have fun laughing at his dumb ass right now!

Suck it Golden Boy!!!

esteef

:clap:

[therock48880 14]

This to me is the hammer hitting the nail right on the head!!!! Great post!!!!

Who did Z and Dats learn from, who is Kronwall and Lebda learning from.

Hell even Babs has a guy in the system that has been there done that, and Babs has no problems saying hey Scotty what do you think the coach will do in this situation.

I don't blame Crosby, I just disagree with the outcome which happens to come from his mouth.

But look and listening closely he is almost parroting his coach's actions and words.

I really am surprised that he doesn't have more Mario in him.

Say what you want, but IMO, Mario was all class!!!

Sid is a 20 year old, not an immature 20 year old, he is just a 20 year old, very few 20 year old kids can take on the kind of responsibility of the C.

The Org is not helping very much, sure they put the players around him to take him to the SCF, but they are not helping foster Sidney Crosby the person, they are trying to foster Sidney Crosby the myth, the legend, the penguin!

Good points. Teams often mirror their coaches. A perfect example is Marc Crawford. Look at his teams, the Avs with Lemiux and the Canucks with the whole Bertuzzi incident. Ironically, I said in another thread that Therrien reminds me of Crawford.