Sidney Crosby - Love Him or Hate Him

There have been some that have been labelled the next one and until Crosby's arrival there is only one that has truly lived up to the hype and that was Mario Lemieux. The last player that received the same attention as that of Crosby was Lindros and although he has had a very good career, there are many that will say that Lindros did not live up to or fulfill his true potential. Just as with Lindros and Lemieux, many scouts throughout the NHL and the media have focused on Crosby for many years prior to his eventual qualification for the NHL Entry Draft. Much like his "the next superstar" predecessors, Crosby has been under the microscope since his emergence into the public eye as a pre-teenager, but I would say that his situation is more unique in that he has received more attention and coverage than his predecessor.


Those who follow hockey closely have known about Crosby for in-and-around seven years. Crosby has been in the media spotlight for many years and has been labeled as the next superstar and/or the next one since he was a pre-teenager. A lot of pressure and Sidney has handled it with gracefulness and professionalism, similar to that of The Great One, Wayne Gretzky. Prior to Crosby's first game in the NHL he was the center-piece for the most innovative NHL Entry Draft as a result of the previous canceled season due to a lock-out. With the new NHL came the new superstar, a superstar that would lead the NHL into a new direction. Crosby instantly became the poster boy for the NHL throughout the world and in particular North America. The NHL needed and needs Crosby more than they have ever needed another superstar as the NHL is still struggling in the United States. Has Crosby delivered thus far, I would say yes.

I often question why there are so many that dislike and even hate Crosby. Many will say it is because he is a whiner. Gretzky and Lemieux, more so Gretzky, were also considered whiners early in their careers and you will have a difficult time finding many hockey fans who dislike these two legends of the game now. Many will not admit to a hint of animosity towards Crosby due to jealousy or the fact that he is not on the team that they cheer for. I am an Oilers' fan, I am also a fan of great hockey and great hockey players like Brodeur, Heatley, Crosby etc. etc. Many of those who dislike Crosby will eventually grow out of it and see that he is great for the game and the NHL. For those who will never like Crosby, remember two things:

1.) He is a 19 year old kid with the weight of an entire league on his shoulders

2.) Dislike the man, but appreciate and respect the skill.