I'm still absolutely chapped that he couldn't have his one magical season from 2009-2013 when he was in his prime and would have put up 130+ points. Those damn injuries. 2010/11 Crosby was the best player the league has seen for 20 years since Lemieux in 95/96.
But I would settle for back to back to back Conn Smythes
I'm not saying Crosby this season (or last) could have topped his 2011 season - but I think in terms of "ability" he's not that far off from what he was back then. I think the difference now is he's being smarter, pacing himself, and even holding back.
I've said it all year i think he's holding back for the playoffs.
When the pens were in danger of missing playoffs (Dec/Jan) - it wasn't Malkin's hot stretch that propelled back into place. It was Crosby. Crosby got hot before Malkin did, went on a tremendous scoring streak, Pens started winning games and climbing up in the standings and then...he slowed down. Malkin got hot too of course and stayed hot for much longer, but I think it was Crosby who was the catalyst before Malkin (think Malkin was even injured for those few games). Now that games matter again, he's on fire.
I'll full admit my commentary is based on nothing more than stat watching. I didn't watch him play this year, I only followed his individual stats and his team's standing. But by looking at only those 2 - it's easy to think he's been holding back this year saving himself for the playoffs.
Not surprised to see him go on a tear early on.
