When Darryl met Sidney — for the first time
Sittler-Crosby connection written in stars (and gloves), Gretzky fills for Tortorella
LOS ANGELES— Leafs great Darryl Sittler was most pleased to meet Sidney Crosby — for the very first time — when both were named to the NHL’s top 100 players of all time.
Crosby’s junior teammates used to call him “Darryl,” and he had Darryl written into the cuff of his gloves, honouring Sittler. Crosby’s teammates came up with the nickname figuring it would be Crosby who would score 10 points in a game, an NHL record that Sittler set in 1976 and still stands.
“I felt I knew him a little bit because people would come up to me when he was playing junior hockey, when he would score six or eight points in a game, and they’d tell me about the name on his glove,” said Sittler. “So I saw him tonight, and he said all his buddies call him Darryl.”
Crosby laughed when asked about it.
“(Sittler) sent me a picture signed by him when he heard that years ago,” said Crosby. “It was nice to finally meet him. Funny the way things work out.”
OLY COW: The NHL is no closer to a decision on the 2018 Winter Olympics, but it’s sounding increasingly like they won’t go. “If the status quo remains, I don’t expect us to be in the Olympics,” said deputy commissioner Bill Daly. The league is working on two schedules, and many owners aren’t thrilled about playing in South Korea. But the players still hope to go. “It’s not my decision,” said Oilers forward Connor McDavid. “Would I like for NHL players to go, and would I like a chance to hunt down a spot on Team Canada? I would love that. But ultimately, it’s not my choice.” Commissioner Gary Bettman hinted the league could skip 2018 and resume Olympic participation in 2022 in China. COACH GRETZKY: Wayne Gretzky will be behind the bench for Sunday’s all-star tournament, coaching the Metropolitan Division team. Colum-
bus Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella withdrew because of a family matter, believed to be related to a sick dog. “They asked me if I would jump in and they told me (Sidney) Crosby and (Alex) Ovechkin were on that team, so it was an easy decision,” said Gretzky.
SUBBAN’S PICK: Some players were asked who they like in next Sunday’s Super Bowl between the Patriots and Falcons. Predators defenceman P.K. Subban had a surprise answer — “Dallas Cowboys. I think they’re going to review the game, find out there was something wrong” — then got serious: “I’m a Cowboys fan, and I have to support the Titans because I’m in Nashville, but how do you not go with Brady. He’s a winner. Tom Brady, what a story. Sometimes you want to see somebody go to legendary status.” HELPING HAND: The NHL and play- ers’ union launched Learn To Play, a league-wide initiative to help clear the way for more kids to learn the game. “Ultimately it is about growing the game and getting those new kids into the game that they wouldn’t have the opportunity to,” said McDavid. “In my life, I can’t imagine not having the opportunity to play because I couldn’t afford to play or couldn’t afford skates or that kind of thing. I don’t really know where I’d be in my life if that was the case.”
LAINE’S CHALLENGE: Jets rookie sensation Patrik Laine says scoring is harder than he makes it look. “It’s hard to score,” said Laine. “It’s the best league in the world. The goals are not coming easily. You have to work hard to get chances and hope that you can score.” Laine, a Finn, still has to do mandatory military service back home. “I’m not doing it this summer,” he said.