March of the Captain

Another NHL season over, another chapter added to Sidney Crosby's growing legend. The Penguins captain lead his team to a second Stanley Cup championship (4th in club history) something most thought would've come sooner after back to back finals appearances in 2007-08.

From the minute Mike Sullivan took over behind the Penguins bench part way through the season it seemed Crosby was on a mission and ultimately there was no stopping him. His complete 200 foot game was reminiscent of Steve Yzerman in the late 90's or contemporary Johnathan Towes during recent Blackhawks Stanley Cup runs. Detractors point out his lack of well, points, but he still put up decent numbers and would have had plenty more had Connor Sheary and Patric Hornqvist been able to hit the broad side of a barn. His puck possession and face off dominance were a sight to behold. He controlled the tempo of the game, setting up opportunity after opportunity for his line mates. Unlike certain Washington based one trick ponies, Crosby proved he has matured from his youthful, whining ways to become an all around leader and someone on whom the coaches and players could rely on in the most pivotal moments of the game.

Many a fan felt that it was sheer favoritism when Crosby was handed the Conn Smythe trophy as playoff MVP but they obviously weren't paying attention. Crosby's numbers may not have jumped off the stat sheet but his knack for clutch goals and his ability to control the play were second to none this post season. Many praise Jonathan Towes for leading the Blackhakws in a similar manner but seem reluctant to heap the same praise on Crosby because of his (well earned) past reputation as a whiner and the fact that his is so relentlessly slurped in the media. While that may be the case, the fact is he was at the top of his game and no one was more deserving.

Matt Murray was stellar in net and the ice in his veins was in better condition that San Jose's SAP rink. His efforts were an integral part of this run but Patrick Roy or Martin Brodeur he wasn't. This was not some upstart team who had no business hoisting the cup (a la Montreal 1986). Granted, he was consistently solid and clearly a much better option than wilting flower Marc-Andre Fleury, giving his team a chance to win every night. However, he never had to steal a game and was often out shone by counterparts Lundquvist, Holtby, Vasilevskiy and in particular the Sharks Martin Jones in the final, who essentially was the only reason it wasn't a sweep, Murray was a huge part of the reason they won but really was just there when called upon which ultimately was all he needed to be (think Antti Niemi with the Blackhawks circa 2009).

Phil Kessel was another Conn Smythe candidate and definitely proved his worth in the playoffs. His speed and quick shot got the job done on an incredibly productive 'third' line with beard aficionado Nick Bonino and the even speedier Carl Hagelin. If the award were give to a line, it'd likely be this one who came up with some timely goals throughout the playoffs, but no one individual really took over a series at any point and much of Kessel's damage was done on the Pens lethal power play alongside Evgeni Malkin and Crosby.

The Penguins ultimately won because of their depth and their commitment to solid defensive hockey, much of this accomplished without sacrificing in the offensive end. Their relatively unknown defense core lead by Kris Letang shut down the opposition time and time again and combined with stellar two way play from the likes of Matt Cullen and Eric Fehr they stymied everyone in their path. This buy in starts at the top with their leadership group, lead by Crosby, and trickles down throughout. The Pens frustrated the Sharks with their tight checking and shot blocking, holding the playoffs highest scoring team down most nights. The frustration was evident in Joe Pavelski, Joe Thornton, Brent Burns Logan Couture and the rest of the Sharks top players as they couldn't find a way to break through. Analysts bandy about words like compete level and sacrifice, but cliche as they are they're used for a reason. Everyone wants to win, (seriously why else would they be there?) but the Pens just seemed a step quicker or more willing than the rest.

The debate over where this leaves Crosby in the ranks of Hockey's greats will rage on but there's no doubt a second cup was needed to raise his status and reclaim his position as the best in the business...at least for today.