Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby tops the NHL's Injury Reserve list, turning an injured ankle into a remarkable 6-8 week run on the sidelines.
"What can I say?" says Pens coach Michel Therrien. "The kid has grown into a tremendous player, and I don't think any of us are surprised that he has risen to the rank of, hands-down, the best injury reserve man in the league."
Crosby, injured for the first time in what promises to be a long career filled with injuries, characteristically deferred his success to his Penguins teammates.
"Look, I'm just one guy," shrugs the humble superstar. "So many guys have been great IR leaders before me. I mean, I'm playing in the building Mario Lemieux practically built with his tremendous injuries."
Fans are disappointed that Crosby will have to miss out on the All-Star Game, but the league has planned a special tribute to him at the January 27 event.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the tribute in a recent press conference: "In honor of Sidney Crosby's historical IR run, every player on the Eastern Conference team will wear #87...and the name 'Crosby' on the back, too." Asked if this would cause confusion, Bettman admitted, "We sure as hell hope so."Crosby's 6-8 weeks on the sidelines outs him at #6 all-time among players who dramatically hamstring their teams when out with injuries. He edges out Jaromir Jagr and Mats Sundin.
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