Midseason Review - Sidney Crosby

Sidney Crosby - 46 Games - 22 G, 29 A, -9, 70 PIM

Grade: A

Sid is not just the top offensive threat on the team, he also leads them in penalty minutes. In fairness, that title would go to Brooks Orpik if he hadn't been hurt, or Andre Roy if he played more. However, Sidney has been everything the Pens thought and then some. He has shown that he not only has the amazing skill, but also the grit and toughness that we're not used to seeing in Pittsburgh (think about all the soft European players that we've had here in the last 10 years). Defensively, when his line is on the ice, they seem to be prone to being stuck in their own end, trying to get the puck out. Once they do, however, they've become proficient at attacking the offensive zone with speed.

Sidney has earned the A on his jersey, though we still need to see some maturing out of him. Overall, I'd say he's been more than could be reasonably expected in his first year so far.

Though he may hit the rookie wall later in the year, for now he's still going strong. This is a great warm-up for next year when Malkin joins him here and they form a lethal one-two punch.