Quote:
Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction
The best thing the Pens did for Crosby was surround him with positive veteran role models like Recchi, LeClair, Gonchar, and of course, Lemieux. Recchi in particular was said to make sure that Crosby stayed grounded and showed him what it was like to be a professional. Despite Crosby instantly being the best player on the ice, Recchi continually made sure he was accountable in all aspects of the game and putting in the work every night.
Of course, Crosby deserves credit as well for being a good student and coachable player.
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agreed. the guys up north don't strike me as students of the game (at least not since their rookie/sophomore years) nor of improving as professionals. they do what they know very well, but they're not expanding that in any meaningful way
goes well beyond hockey though. its important for any adult/professional to never get to that place where they believe they know it all, or that they know best. cause that's when you stop growing
there's confidence, and then there's arrogance. Crosby and iggy are good examples of the former, where they carried themselves on the ice like stars, but remained humble and receptive to vets and coaches.
part of it may very well be edmonton's fault for being terrible at developing players as well as enabling his one dimensional game but McDavid just strikes me as the latter type. aside from scoring goals more efficiently, the only thing he's added to his game is embellishing and picking bones with officials
this is why Crosby will always be the more accomplished player, at least in regards to winning
Pittsburgh handled his development exceptionally. Edmonton sharply contrasts that with how they've handled and built around McDavid.