Just a few thoughts...
On Sid.
So Crosby is returning, and that's great for hockey, and the Pittsburgh Penguins. But I get a little overwhelmed by the coverage that is given the worlds best player. For all he's accomplished, and it is a lot in a short career, I think many of it is severely overstated. I know that sounds like blasphemy to many fans, but hear me out. Crosby, as early as the World Juniors, and the Memorial Cup, has never been the best player in tournaments. In the 05 Mem Cup, the MVP went to Corey Perry. Come to the NHL, he has won the league MVP (which helps cement his status), the Richard Trophy, Lest B Pearson Award etc. But when it came to winning the Cup, the best player for the Penguins was the other Superstar center for the Penguins, Evgeny Malkin. The Olympics was much the same. Crosby wasn't the best player in the tournament, far from it. But, he was Johnny on the Spot for the Golden Goal. That's what people remember, that he scored THE goal. Forget that it was linemate Jerome Iginla that made it all happen or, that Ryan Miller (who was practically unbeatable) let in an absolute stinker in the winner.
I have a lot of respect for Crosby. Absolutely one of my favourite players to watch in the NHL, today. But I believe his "Legend" has been overblown by the hype from fans, and media. Twitter has not helped this. He's not in the stratosphere of legends like Orr, Gretzky or, Lemieux. And that's not to say he never will be. Hopefully when he's back, healthy, and ready to go 100%, he will have his name carved into the Conne Smythe Trophy.
Coping With The Leafs...
There's not really a lot to say here, that hasn't already been said by pretty much anyone who cares about the Leafs. Frustration is rampant, and most definitely understandable. People are either furious, sad, or just ambivalent. Burke will be going into his 4th full season at the Leafs helm next fall, and results are going to be necessary, or the "Fire Burke" chants will be the next thing raining down from the ACC crowd.
Now, don't confuse the first paragraph with my feelings towards the situation. I'm simply echoing the feelings I'm getting from the Leaf fans I encounter on twitter, and other mass messaging websites (forums). I personally feel Burke (overall) has done a good job. He's failed in some very specific areas but, I believe the team is in a lot better shape now, than it was 5 years ago.
We have the draft to look forward to, and free agency. Hopefully what will come out of this years embarassing failure of a season will be a franchise #1 Center. Or at least a very good player capable of helping this team win it all. And Burke should address the goaltending situation, one way or, another. And don't forget, Carlyle will have a chance to work on the team through the summer, where I'm sure Burke will make several moves to cater to his coaches style.
Sean Avery...
Sean Avery's career looks to be all but dead. Rumours of his retirement might be a bit premature but, I can't see any reason to believe the man has any chance of landing on a team, any time soon. In the meantime, I'm sure he can continue on with his thrilling new career in the fashion world.
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