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Crosby Today
by Paul on 06/05/09 at 03:25 PM ET
Comments (24)
Q. How do you feel?
SIDNEY CROSBY: Pretty good. The typical bumps and bruises of the playoffs, but nothing major. And I think, yeah, most of the guys will tell you they feel really fresh for this point of the year. So that’s a good sign.
Q. Any sense that you’re wearing them down a little bit?
SIDNEY CROSBY: We’re trying. The more pressure we can put. I think both teams really tried to do that consistently throughout games, so, that’s what makes it so intense and such a battle. But I think we’re trying to do that.
Q. They said last night that Zetterberg himself might be getting tired. Did you sense that as the series goes along?
SIDNEY CROSBY: I didn’t really notice. I probably didn’t play against him as much as I have in the past few games. But I didn’t know if that was because of the way we were matching up or what they were doing.
But I didn’t really notice. But we had some shifts. We were able to hang them down there, so that’s what we wanted to do.
Q. Did you notice they were hanging their heads on the bench after the tying goal last night?
SIDNEY CROSBY: I’m sure nobody likes to get scored or shorthanded. But I think for us that was a big one. You know, we probably lost momentum with those penalties. To be able to bounce back and get a big one there, that was huge.
Q. Are you finding yourself kind of fighting off thoughts of thinking how close you are to the goal? I’m sure it’s always focus on the next game, but you are at this point closer.
SIDNEY CROSBY: Yeah, we know what we have to do. We have to go in there and play a solid game, and we want to come back here, obviously, up. But we came back here and did what we want to do. We wanted to make sure we got our two back at home. Like I said, it doesn’t get any easier. We have to go in there and get one.
So I think we’re happy we were able to, you know, hold home ice here and do a good job. But at the same time, we’ve got to go in there, too.
Q. That 6-minute span last night, did that 6?minute span last night in the second period, is that as good as you’ve ever seen your team play, just given the circumstances and what was on the line?
SIDNEY CROSBY: Yeah, I mean, sometimes you play like that, and the puck doesn’t go in. But we executed well. You know, we’ve talked about it time and time again.
But in the Playoffs, this is what it comes down to. We’ve got two good teams that are going to get their chances, and it comes down to executing again. We did a great job of taking advantage of the chances we got, and that’s what you do.
We definitely turned it up a bit there. And home ice helps. We got a lot of energy from the crowd, and we also kept our foot on the gas there and kept going.
Q. Can you talk about the difference between Malkin last year and this year? Do you see much of a difference?
SIDNEY CROSBY: Oh, yeah. I mean, I think he’s a lot more comfortable. He looks pretty energized out there, he’s all over the puck. He’s physical. I mean it’s something you have to get used to as a player. Pick your spots a little bit and things like that. So I think he’s got that confidence. He’s fine out there on the ice.
Q. Sidney, you’re four goals away from a record playoff. Is that something you could conceivably do in a couple of games? Is that something you think about at all?
SIDNEY CROSBY: Not a whole lot. I’m just thinking about burying my chances. If it puts me in that position, that’s great. That means I’m contributing. But I don’t give a whole lot of thought to it.
I just want to make sure I take advantage of chances when I get them. And that’s always a challenge especially against this team. So I want to make sure I’m doing that. If it works out, great.
Q. What about when you and Geno score together, which happened last night. And I think it was the fourth time this postseason that had happened. Do you think that puts something extra on the other team to know that you guys are both on together?
SIDNEY CROSBY: Yeah, that’s what we want to do. You see Staal’s score shorthanded, but it really comes down to momentum and things like that. You want to build shift after shift. And if we’re able to put a team back on their heels and Geno’s line goes out there, that’s the same thing. To answer with Staal’s, that’s tough to play against. Certainly, if we’re able to do that and contribute, hopefully that gives other teams something to think about.
Q. Did it feel pretty good for you to get your goal, Sid? And what about Kris’ reaction?
SIDNEY CROSBY: Yeah, I was excited, but he was a little more excited than me. Didn’t see it coming. But I’m happy to score, so whatever happens, happens.
Q. Is that the hardest hit you’ve taken in the series?
SIDNEY CROSBY: I wouldn’t say that, no. I wouldn’t go that far.
Q. Do you guys feel a swing to the series? You were hearing the Penguins aren’t getting the breaks. Now the momentum seems to have shifted the other way.
SIDNEY CROSBY: Probably not a whole lot. For us, we’re so focused on playing the right way and doing the right things. I think we take a lot of pride in that. We don’t let our focus switch too much. That’s probably the biggest challenge of the playoffs mentally is dealing with that.
So we’ve been in this situation before, and we know that this gets more difficult as the series wears on. Like I said earlier, we’ve done a good job here at home, but we’ve got to move on here and know that we’re going to be tough going into Detroit.
Q. Everybody’s talking about how there are no holes on the Red Wings. But have you figured out there are a few holes on that team?
SIDNEY CROSBY: I don’t think we’ve changed our mindset from the first series of the playoffs, to be honest. We really believe in the way we play. That’s trying to get as many shots as possible, driving the net. These are all elements that all good teams have, and they have it, too.
So it comes down again to executing and who is consistent, and who makes the least amount of mistakes. But we believe in what we’re doing out there and trying to put pressure on our teams.
Q. Sid, 2-0 can be so intimidating, especially in the Final and coming back from it. The fact that you were able to pull it off against Washington, did that make it more manageable knowing that you did it two rounds ago, and it can be done against a very good team?
SIDNEY CROSBY: Yeah, we know that the experiences there having gone through it. And we knew the preparation and mentality it took. But, yeah, having it fresh in our minds is certainly going to help us. Going in there we knew it was going to be difficult. But we’ve been in these tough situations before, and found a way to get a good result, so, there’s a confidence builder.
Q. Is getting a goal for you essentially the same for Jordan last night?
SIDNEY CROSBY: Yeah, we were getting chances, he was getting chances. It was nice we were getting a couple of big ones there. Definitely shorthanded that changed the momentum of the game.
Q. Can you talk about how important in the NHL not only having the rematch, but it’s gone at least six again, and it’s been an exciting series, and all the stars are producing the way you expect?
SIDNEY CROSBY: For sure, for fans it’s exciting. And with the element of the rematch and things like that from last year, you know, hockey fans love watching this time of year. And with the way the series is going, being so tight, I’m sure it’s exciting to watch.
Q. Also important to the league as well since the post lockout?
SIDNEY CROSBY: Yeah, I think it’s important. But I think as a whole it’s pretty healthy. Like I said, to get these two teams facing each other again is definitely good.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Pittsburgh Penguins | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Sidney+Crosby,
Comments
Sidney,
What happened here? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob7kXHhj8eM
Sidney Crosby - WAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Sig from DC on 06/05/09 at 03:32 PM ET
I’m the face of hockey. Don’t ever question the face of hockey!
Gary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They’re questioning the face of hockey!!!!!
Posted by Sidney Crosby from Detroit on 06/05/09 at 03:38 PM ET
How will you all feel if Sidney, who you all despise, beats your for the CUP? As far as the guy in DC why don’t you go play golf with the Capitals since they been doing that since the Pens beat them
Posted by randy from Butler, PA on 06/05/09 at 03:43 PM ET
You guys won the Cup after only winning two games??
Damn, that is talent!
Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste Marie on 06/05/09 at 03:59 PM ET
Red Winger…Put down your crayons and try reading comprehension….or have someone translate for you.
If you keep this up with the Crosby obsession, the law is going to come knocking on your door. Tell your therapist all about this…He may be able to help.
Posted by Pensin6 on 06/05/09 at 04:02 PM ET
Come on, if you’re going to pick a diving clip, at least pick one that’s actually diving. You try getting cheap-shot-slashed in the achilles and see how upright you stay. You guys are jealous.
Posted by penguinsfan on 06/05/09 at 04:13 PM ET
Yes, a major league slash. It’s amazing Sid’s Achilles Heel did not sever on the spot.
No mere mortal, he.
What a warrior. What a machine.
Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste Marie on 06/05/09 at 04:34 PM ET
Funny thing is….I’m sure Sid could probably kick the snot out of you. You internet tough guys amaze me.
Posted by Pensin6 on 06/05/09 at 04:43 PM ET
Funny thing is….I’m sure Sid could probably kick the snot out of you
In my basement, or Mario’s?
I get basement advanatge if it’s at my house. Sid gets the nod if it’s in Mario’s.
Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste Marie on 06/05/09 at 04:45 PM ET
Go Wings, two more!
Hey, I can do that, too!!
Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste Marie on 06/05/09 at 04:49 PM ET
The funny thing is, the Wings were beat by Malkin and Stall. This other guy you all obsess over is not the difference maker (yet). I guess Bettman’s marketing is working as it is clearly distracting you from reality.
These are not the droids you are looking for…
Posted by blammo from Vancouver, BC on 06/05/09 at 04:52 PM ET
Q: How are you feeling?
Crosby: Okay, not great. Yeast infections are no fun, especially this time of year.
Q: Your parents must be proud, seeing you on hockey’s biggest stage, getting a goal
Crosby: He is. He called me from his New York office after the second period, and told me…
Q: no…no, your real parents
Crosby: Oh, yeah. Yeah, they are proud.
Q: That slash by Maltby last night to your Achilles Heel, how did you manage to play after that?
Crosby: I just, you know, you just play on, on through excruciating pain. I felt a pain like a sword being buried into my Achilles, and then the pain shot through my entire body. But I, just you know, just play through stuff like that
Q: You guys have the momentum now. Do you feel this is your year?
Crosby: Well, the memo from Gary’s office last year at this time said last year was the year. So I’m not taking anything for granted
Q: What is one thing, if any, you’d like to see your team do better?
Crosby: I’d like to see us find a new company to get our vaginal cream from. The stuff we’re using right now itches when you sweat.
Q: What do you do on off days to stay loose and relax?
Crosby: I try not to think about hockey. I like to walk up and down the stairs to Mario’s basement, and count the steps. Each time I count in my head with different voices. Like the other day, I pretended I was Gomer Pyle and Ethel Merman
Q: What do you expect from Detroit tomorrow?
Crosby: I’ll be honest, I expect them to be really dirty
Q: Like how?
Crosby: You know, just really dirty stuff. Like checking me into the boards. Like saying mean things to me when I skate to the bench
Q: Some people criticize you for lack of physical play. What do you say to that?
Crosby: Well, you know, everybody doesn’t see everything I do. I yelled at the guy that washes our towels the other day. Then I walked by him and shoved him into the wall.
Q: But he’s twelve
Crosby: That’s my point, I won’t back down to anyone in the post-season.
Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste Marie on 06/05/09 at 05:19 PM ET
I like to walk up and down the stairs to Mario’s basement, and count the steps. Each time I count in my head with different voices.
Attaboy, Red. That’s gold there. Pure gold.
Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 06/05/09 at 06:08 PM ET
Red Winger - You guys won the Cup after only winning two games??
Damn, that is talent!
You guys lost the Cup after losing only two games!!
Damn, that is choking….
Posted by Greg on 06/05/09 at 06:55 PM ET
after seeing all the posts by Red Winger, i’m guessing he’s either a lonely single guy who stares at his Crosby poster every night wishing Sid was his boyfriend and is jealous that he’s not, or judging by his comments, i’m guessing he’s probably 11-12 yrs old…
and the intermission is over, you LOST!!!! haha
Posted by mike on 06/05/09 at 06:57 PM ET
Thanls for letting me know I got under your skin. Much appreciated.
Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste Marie on 06/05/09 at 07:01 PM ET
after seeing all the posts by Red Winger, i’m guessing he’s either a lonely single guy who stares at his Crosby poster every night wishing Sid was his boyfriend
Alas, Mario beat me to him (sigh)
Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste Marie on 06/05/09 at 07:01 PM ET
You guys lost the Cup after losing only two games!!
Damn, that is choking….
Oooooo…even Pens fans are embarassed for you.
Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste Marie on 06/05/09 at 07:02 PM ET
Does it bother you guys that your logo is a penguin on skates?
I’m just askin’
Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste Marie on 06/05/09 at 07:06 PM ET
Haha looks more like they got under your skin Redwinger…maybe once the Wings savior gets back, you know the one who hasn’t scored in last 12 gms played, he can help out poor Zetterberg now that he’s getting a little tired…And Crosby doesnt need help from his wingers since Lidstroms quickly showing how overated he is…Talk about over the hill….
I’m pretty sure you’re just sitting there in your parents basement pushing refresh waiting to write something right?
Posted by Chris on 06/05/09 at 07:09 PM ET
I’m pretty sure you’re just sitting there in your parents basement pushing refresh waiting to write something right?
Bored, really. And once I found out how easily you Pen(i)s fans get irritated, well, I ran with it.
And what’s wrong with living in a basement???
Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste Marie on 06/05/09 at 07:13 PM ET
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Q. How do you feel?
“Scared. Hotel rooms look nothing like basements. Nothing”
Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste Marie on 06/05/09 at 03:31 PM ET