Sidney Something Special

There isn't much that can be said about Sidney Crosby at this point in time that hasn't already been reported, written or expressed in every way. However, as his first season of professional hockey draws to a close it is time to reflect on what we have all been witness too. That being....history in the making.

Sidney is doing something that only a handful of the all time greats have done. He is excelling in the National Hockey League as an 18 year old. Sure, several others have been able to make it at that age, but Sidney is doing things that are well beyond his years. He has never looked out of place on the ice. Many young players are streaky and run hot and cold. Sid has avoided that for the most part.

Unfortunately, the lockout may have cost him the Calder Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year, by making Alexander Ovechkin miss what could have been his rookie year in 04-05, but Sidney is thriving at almost 2 full years younger. Crosby will not turn 19 until 8/7/2006, but he has managed to post 87 points with 7 games remaining in the season. In fact if he is able to average 1.88 pts per game he will hit 100, an unbelievable accomplishment for an 18 year old.

Sidney has already met and exceeded all expectations that were put on him as he entered the league as the prize of last year's draft lottery. Sidney has rung up 35 goals to dispel the myth that he is destined to be a playmaker. If anything, his goal scoring ability is improving and his passing has remained top notch. There is no doubt in my mind that he will post 40-50 goals and 100 assists in seasons to come if the Penguins can acquire a sniper to play on his wing.

In a season that started with nothing but promise, high expectations of a return to the playoffs, and the signing of many high profile free agents; Sidney Crosby has become the biggest and best story in Pittsburgh. In a campaign that saw the team lose players such as legend Mario Lemieux, and Ziggy Palffy, losses that could have been disaster, the transition was all but seamless as Sidney stepped up to become a leader. He has risen to the occasion numerous times throughout the year, when many young players would have grown too frustrated with the losing to go on.

Sidney will most likely be given the "C" next season and the torch will be officially passed to him, making the Pittsburgh Penguins HIS team. He has already become very vocal and can be seen directing teammates on the power play and before faceoffs, even more so since the trade deadline. Sidney is a leader today and will continue to grow in that role.

Players like Sidney Crosby come along once in a lifetime but then again that is what we all said about Mario, Wayne and several others. Pittsburgh has been blessed to have had 2, some would say 3, players that "come along once in a lifetime." Though times are dark right now, and the losing continues, players like Sidney Crosby do not wallow in losing. They are winners that have succeeded in all levels of the game. Mark it down, Sidney Crosby will bring the Penguins back to greatness, he will have his day to shine. Number 87 will be engraved on the Holy Grail of hockey.

Please do not miss these last 7 chances to say you watched greatness in the making. Sidney Crosby's first professional season is almost in the books, the best is yet to come!