A playoff series.

Sidney Crosby took home plenty of hardware on Thursday night, including the Hart Trophy, but he didn't win a playoff series. 

He had a chance to do that this spring, when his Pittsburgh Penguins squared off against the Ottawa Senators. The outcome, alas, wasn't what anyone in the Steel City was hoping for.

And okay, I know: Sid the Kid is outrageously young, and his best years are in front of him, and he would probably trade all the trophies in the world for a shot at the Stanley Cup. But let's at least try to keep our perspective here while we can.

Crosby, by the time he's done, will undoubtedly carve out a niche for himself among the game's all-time greats. Will he be the next Gretzky? Time will tell on that one. For now, well

Start with a playoff series, then we'll talk.