STATS AREN’T SID’S THING
Analytics can have holes
It’s a question that has been raised repeatedly by hockey columnists and commentators recently: What’s wrong with Sidney Crosby?
The question seems to be rooted in statistical analyses that show a dip in his numbers from years past, along with expectations of unrelenting greatness heaped upon the Pittsburgh Penguins centre.
While theories have ranged from Crosby being slowed by a history of injuries to his age catching up with him, the Penguins captain had been quiet on the subject until now.
He partly bristled, partly shrugged when asked about the chatter after the Penguins practice Friday.
“I wouldn’t change anything I’m doing, to be honest with you,” the 27-year-old superstar said. “I’m working hard. I’m doing my best. If people’s expectations are higher than mine, then I can’t change that.”
Crosby is the defending Art Ross and Hart Trophy winner, and he has a shot at repeating with one or both. Going into Friday’s games, Crosby was tied with Washington’s Alex Ovechkin for second in league scoring with 70 points (23 goals and 47 assists), two points behind John Tavares of the Islanders.
While that might not seem like it leaves Crosby open for a lot of criticism, those on the side of doubt are pointing out that, at an average of 1.11 points per game this season, he is off his career pace of 1.37, and the pace has certainly slowed since he recorded 24 points over the first month of the season. Some have stretched that to find a reduction in his situational productivity such as points per 20 or 60 minutes or five-on-five points per specified segment of time.
“Advanced stats weren’t there as much years ago,” Crosby said. “I think you can over-analyze stuff sometimes. Every year is different, every game is different, your division is different year to year. There are so many factors.
“To try to make it a clear-cut picture when it’s not, I don’t think is right. It doesn’t really justify everything. We’re always going to look at stats and all that stuff. As a player, whether it’s going really good or really bad, you can’t get caught up in stats in general.”