335 replies to this topic

[titanium2]

All I know is that Draper should have used the memories of 4 Cup wins to stick around on the ice for another 30 seconds instead of being a, yeah you guessed it, a whiner.

He probably did use the memories.

He probably knew that the opponents were pissed and wanted to pay his respects before they angrily got off the ice knowing that he had all night and all summer to celebrate with his teammates.

[titanium2]

I know I'm not going to change anyone's opinoin on Sid, whether good or bad, but I get the good fortune to watch him every single game. And I get the good fortune of seeing his charity work around the city of Pgh, the endless hours of interviews, and promotions, etc, etc. He is a great player and a great leader IMO. He is also a great member of the Pgh community.

People who don't get to see him all the time seem to focus just on his negatives. And it paints a very bad picture. Does he dive and look at the refs? yes. But he has cut it to a level that I think isn't worth talking about anymore. His rookie year tarnished him, but I think he has grown up a ton, and he still has a ton to do. But for his age, and the pressure put on him to not only lead the Pens, but to be a face of the NHL, I think very few people his age could do what he has done.

I also saw a picture of the whole Babcock thing. He talked to him before, and Babcock threw in the leadership thing as they were parting, but that is the only thing the camera caught. It wasn't as bad as it looked.

As for missing half the Red Wings, you get caught up in the moment. He didn't do it intentionally.

Like I said, I'm not going to change anyone's opinions, but as a Pens fan, and someone who gets to watch him all the time, and see what he does around the community, he is a great young man, and a great role model.

In terms of doing things around the community, it's a great thing, but that doesn't make him any more special than any other superstar in the league. Every star does work in the community. It's an unspoken rule that they're supposed to. It's just that some get more publicity over others.

I don't believe in the diving and whining criticism for Sid. I have many, but that's not one of them. He's the captain. He's supposed to whine. Many Wings fans here refuse to admit it but Yzerman whined as much as any superstar in the league. It just looks worse for Sid because he has a whiny type of face that looks really ugly when he whines. I'm not criticizing, I'm just stating observations. Blame God for that.

IMO, the only thing that makes Sid appear more special than others is his age and the human obsession of youth over wisdom. For his age, he's right where he should be in terms of maturity. However, like it or not, if you want his kind of fame and publicity, then you better be able to accept the consequences of it. I'd say he's doing an ok job so far. There are much better examples such as Jonathan Toews.

[Mtl-PenFan]

He probably did use the memories.

He probably knew that the opponents were pissed and wanted to pay his respects before they angrily got off the ice knowing that he had all night and all summer to celebrate with his teammates.

Watch the NBC video and you see Crosby skating towards the line but stops to be a CAPTAIN and congratulate and celebrate with the taxi squad.

Shame on him

[titanium2]

Watch the NBC video and you see Crosby skating towards the line but stops to be a CAPTAIN and congratulate and celebrate with the taxi squad.

Shame on him

I'm not sure if you've really added anything new that would require something that I haven't already said.

Sure, I guess, but a bigger part of being captain is to pay respects to your opponent. I'm sure at this point that you're thinking "well, Draper didn't do it either," but the thing is, he waited as long as any loser in the past was willing to wait. You can choose not to shake hands, but there are consequences to that. There's a reason why he doesn't get that much personal respect from other players in the league. I guess that hasn't changed.

I did find it odd that he appeared to be the only player in a uniform around a bunch of suits while his teammates were well in line. You say being a captain, I say, buying time so he can choose to act immature. He just loves publicity and drama. You get more press when you act immature.

[DZ13]

Anyone in favor of Crosby is going to agree with his actions. You're not going to convince them otherwise. Oppinions are oppinions, and although I don't like what Crosby "did," you know damn well he really doesn't care at this point.

[TLinsday09]

Watch the NBC video and you see Crosby skating towards the line but stops to be a CAPTAIN and congratulate and celebrate with the taxi squad.

Shame on him

It's about respect. Respect for the game, the history, and the cup. Your "captain" proved his critics right with his response to Draper anyways.

Enjoy the summer...and we'll expect the cup returned to us in the same condiction in which you got it.

[Coolio Mendez]

You're the winning team's captain...you go out of your way to do right. I don't care about the circumstances...as my old man used to tell me, you're only responsible for your behaviour. Be the bigger (and better) man. Your celebrations can wait 30-60 seconds. Doing the right thing at the right time...can't.

He was flat-out wrong, and multiple wrongs don't make it right. He can't control what they do...he can control what he does and he should have done right even if it was behind closed doors. You extend your hand and thank your opponent. If he walks away or refuses it, then as they say, that's all you need to know about your opponent.

[TLinsday09]

You're the winning team's captain...you go out of your way to do right. I don't care about the circumstances...as my old man used to tell me, you're only responsible for your behaviour. Be the bigger (and better) man. Your celebrations can wait 30-60 seconds. Doing the right thing at the right time...can't.

He was flat-out wrong, and multiple wrongs don't make it right. He can't control what they do...he can control what he does and he should have done right even if it was behind closed doors. You extend your hand and thank your opponent. If he walks away or refuses it, then as they say, that's all you need to know about your opponent.

Agreed. It's not like anyone was watching Crosby's every move or that he had anything to prove about his perceived maturity level..

Honestly, Crosby had a chance to prove a lot of his critics wrong by showing a level of character that he apparently didn't possess.

I guess that's why Crosby handed the cup off to the actual captain of the team.

[reggiedunlop]

the obsession with mr crosby around here borders on insanity

[TLinsday09]

the obsession with mr crosby around here borders on insanity

You have Mr. Bettman to thank for that.

[CROZ87]

Anyone in favor of Crosby is going to agree with his actions. You're not going to convince them otherwise. Oppinions are oppinions, and although I don't like what Crosby "did," you know damn well he really doesn't care at this point.

Agreed, and the same holds true the other way. Anyone who hates him will view his actions differently to help build their hate.

That is why I said I'm not going to try to change anyones opinions here, because they are locked.

But to me, Crosby is a great person, a great player, and a great leader.

[DZ13]

You have Mr. Bettman to thank for that.

Exactly. Like, I, and others have said countless times. Crosby would have more respect around here, and around the league, if he wasn't forced down our throats - long before he accomplished anything at all.

[reggiedunlop]

dont hate the player, hate the game. yes he is over exposed (not entirely his fault)..... but if you have ever heard him interviewed, you would know he is nothing but class.

[DZ13]

dont hate the player, hate the game. yes he is over exposed (not entirely his fault)..... but if you have ever heard him interviewed, you would know he is nothing but class.

I'm not saying hes entirley classeless, but anyone can look classy when the camera and mic's are on. Bettman wants him to be the face of the NHL.

[reggiedunlop]

I'm not saying hes entirley classeless, but anyone can look classy when the camera and mic's are on. Bettman wants him to be the face of the NHL.

ok, so put on your marketing hat. who would you pick to be the league poster child?

[DZ13]

ok, so put on your marketing hat. who would you pick to be the league poster child?

Ovechkin.

[reggiedunlop]

Ovechkin.

you cannot pick a european, that does not speak perfect english and looks like he got hit by a train to be the face to market the NHL in NORTH AMERICA. OV is a phenomenal player, but not a marketable personality.

[DZ13]

you cannot pick a european, that does not speak perfect english and looks like he got hit by a train to be the face to market the NHL in NORTH AMERICA. OV is a phenomenal player, but not a marketable personality.

Well you told me to put on my marketing hat. Bettman wants the NHL to be exciting, excitment draws fans. That "you never know what hes going to do next" playing style is marketable. Younger fans see him falling on his back and knees, and still putting the puck in the back of the net? Dont you think that impresses them?

Okay, so the English, and not so pretty face..

Why not Patrick Kane? Do I think hes better then Crosby? No, but I think hes just as marketable. Young star, original six team. Better years are head of him, and hes already made a WCF appearence.

[55fan]

ok, so put on your marketing hat. who would you pick to be the league poster child?

Why, Nick Lidstrom, of course!

Seriously, Sid is in a nasty position. He can't fart without people analyzing what he might have eaten to produce it. He has held up quite well, especially for one so young. I'd be wishing for my life back. I don't deny his talent, nor his abilities.

I have to ask why the league needs a poster child. Why not showcase young, up-and-coming talent alongside veterans who have earned their status?

Back to the topic: When Lidstrom won the Cup for the first time as Captain, he had already won other Cups as an alternate, as well as being a Conn Smythe winner. He was probably more aware of what to expect, and how things went on the ice as far as emotions and overcoming circumstance in favour of protocol. If Sid wins again, I am sure he will make a concentrated effort to be leading the handshake line.

[reggiedunlop]

Well you told me to put on my marketing hat. Bettman wants the NHL to be exciting, excitment draws fans. That "you never know what hes going to do next" playing style is marketable. Younger fans see him falling on his back and knees, and still putting the puck in the back of the net? Dont you think that impresses them?

Okay, so the English, and not so pretty face..

Why not Patrick Kane? Do I think hes better then Crosby? No, but I think hes just as marketable. Young star, original six team. Better years are head of him, and hes already made a WCF appearence.

Kane would be great........ should be more than one person to begin with. dont get me wrong, i love crosby being on my team as a player, but i totally understand people getting sick of seeing him. but you cant have a brain in your head (not talking about you) if you come on this or any other board and say that he sucks as a player.