It's an incredible phenomenon to watch but the moment you name drop Sidney Crosby in a thread, the average intelligence in that thread drops exponentially. We've covered whining, cheapshots, and unearned Conn Smythe trophies so far... but I don't see anything on secondary assists. I'm disappointed!
Anyway, it's Crosby over Toews here but it's pretty close. They're equal in Cups but Sid has the edge by having captained Canada to the Gold in 2014 (regardless of whether or not he "had to ask Toews", lmao) and an extra Finals experience in 2008. If you look beyond the hardware, context is also in Sid's favor, as he was more integral to the success of his team than Toews. Chicago was stacked, while Pittsburgh has won Cups without their top defense pairing or secondary scoring (in the case of 2009). I do think that's a factor, as I don't think you'll find many people who would say that Pittsburgh's rosters were superior to some of the super teams Chicago was icing.
The fact that
a) Both Team Canada and Crosby himself wanted to clear it with Toews before Crosby got the C in 2014
b) Luongo, speaking on a TSN panel, spoke about the 2014 Olympics and how it was Toews that really took control of the room
Make me lean towards Toews.
I mean, on a team full of Captains, he commanded the most respect. That says something.
But both those things happened in 2014. It's 2019. It's been awhile.
I'd say Crosby and Toews are 1a and 1b
If Team Canada had decided to go with Toews, they would have "cleared it" with Crosby, as well. Both guys are the two best leaders in the sport, as acknowledged by their peers, and both are major factors in the leadership group. But that was not a case of Team Canada asking Toews for "permission" or anything like that. The idea that the best player of his generation would have to ask the team's third line center if he could be the captain is just ridiculous to me. It was a sign of respect that I can guarantee you was Sid's idea, which speaks volumes about his character and leadership right there.
