I feel bad for Crosby; his team really let him down this year. He did all he could and then some.
After reading that off-season article from the Athletic last year, I have no sorrow for that team. Basically when Burke was looking into dealing one of their big 3, the team including the coach lobbied in more or less a revolt, and eventually cost management their job, just so they could make another push with their old boned core. They have a terrible 2/3 of a team. I wish I seen them in the playoffs just for Crosby and the hot streak, but they're old and may be in a worse position than the Flames because of their own players allowed to dictate the direction.
Pretty unthinkable for the Pens but I wonder if Crosby would entertain a trade. He costs only $3M in real dollars. Would he go to, say, the Avs for one more cup? He could play with his buddy Mackinnon.
they're old and may be in a worse position than the Flames because of their own players allowed to dictate the direction.
It's a bit like San Jose or Anaheim where too many guys with NTC and NMC clauses stop the team from being able to start early in rebuilding. That group did win 3 cups there so I can understand the sentiment of wanting to finish their careers there. But these last few years won't be easy.
__________________ "Some guys like old balls"
Patriots QB Tom Brady