In the 2K baseball video games, when a big name player comes up to bat the crowd will often break into a chant of “MVP” or “Overrated” depending on whether they are at home or on the road. I wish that NHL 10 had this feature because I would constantly play against the Penguins at home to hear the chants of “Overrated!” reigning down on Sidney Crosby.
In the 5 games since the real MVP of the team, Evgeni Malkin, went down, Sid has no points and a -6 rating. The Pens are 1-4 in these games and have been shut out by Boston and San Jose. Prior to Malkin’s injury, the team was cruising along to an 11-2 start.
Without Malkin to worry about, opposing teams have been able to focus on Crosby and have been successful in neutralizing him. He is averaging almost 5 minutes per game on the PP over this span, and still has not been able to get the puck in the net. The mark of a great player is being able to score and win games even if you’re team isn’t very good. That is why I think Vincent Lecavalier is overrated. For the most part he scores when his team is doing well, and disappears when they are struggling. And as much as I like to rip on Rick Nash, he has been very good at putting up solid goal totals on some dismal Columbus Blue Jackets teams.
Yes I realize I am the same guy that just put Crosby at the top of the Big 50. Do not misconstrue my words. I am not saying Crosby is a bad player. He is a fantastic player, but I think it is time to drop all of the “best player in the NHL” talk when he isn’t even the best player on his own team. He is also still a fantasy force, especially thanks to all the PIMS he puts up, but keep in mind that his value is tied to Malkin much more than you might think.
