Sidney Crosby: Is the Penguins Star Milking His Injury?

Let’s face it folks, not only is Sidney Crosby the best player in the NHL, but he is the most important player for marketing the league in years.

His style of play and clean image are easily marketable and people love him, but that shouldn’t make him impervious from criticism.

I believe he handled this like he handles most things, with class but always seeming a little whiny.

The concussion discussion is very serious but I wonder if Crosby is trying to be the face of concussions.

My question is whether or not Crosby has milked this injury. Let me know what you think and Enjoy!

Yes- the Hits Weren't as Bad as Others We See

While this may seem insensitive, but I don’t think the hits he took were as bad as others we see every day in the NHL.

The David Steckel’s hit on Crosby was definitely a rough hit, but Crosby came back and played after the Winter Classic.

When Victor Hedman hit Crosby and he fell to the ice, I thought it was a typical Crosby move to draw a penalty.

I am not doubting that he has a concussion, but these hits weren’t as devastating as they have been made out to be.

No- Look at Eric Lindros and Keith Primeau

As a Philadelphia Flyers fan and reporter, I have seen the damage that a concussion can do to a career first hand.

Growing up, Eric Lindros was the best thing to ever happen to the Flyers in my life. He was the quintessential Flyer.

Lindros was an animal until Scott “Shoulders and Elbows” Stevens made him pay for having his head down. He was never the same player again.

Another Flyers star that felt the career devastating aftermath of a concussion was Keith Primeau.

Primeau’s career was cut short by his concussions and he is now an advocate for the dangers of playing through concussions and the impact it has on the player’s lives.

Crosby doesn’t want to end up like these players.

Yes- Recent Skate Was a Sham

The news out of Pittsburgh Penguins camp is that Sidney Crosby skated in full pads for fifteen minutes on Monday according to PittsburghPenguins.com.

While this appears like a good sign for Penguins faithful, it’s nothing but a show.

I don’t believe Crosby has any intention of coming back before the playoffs. If he does, he will play three or four games before the playoffs.

If this comes to fruition, it will further fuel speculation that he milked the injury until the playoffs.

No- NHL Needs Him Healthy Long-Term

Sidney Crosby is the NHL.

He is the best player in the league and in just 41 games this season, Crosby has 66 points.

Commissioner Gary Bettman loves Crosby and has made him the face of the league. A good, clean Canadian kid is what the NHL was looking for and they found their star.

Crosby has been a good role model for kids and has been an advocate for concussions. He is truly a good guy for the NHL.

The NHL wants him to be patient with his injury and get back when he is fully healthy. They need him.

Verdict- Guilty of First Degree Milking It, but for Good Reasons

If Crosby had to come back and play today in the playoffs, I think he would. The truth is, though, he doesn’t have to.

He is legitimately concerned with his health and the NHL is as well.

The problem is that he made statements at the All-Star game about concussions that made him seems bitter. It’s a rough sport and he is not endearing himself to those skeptical of his standing with the NHL.

Crosby could’ve handled this whole ordeal with more couth but his ability to bring concussions to the forefront of the discussion can’t be dismissed.