tbf the caps have played better 2 of 3 games and yet are down 2-1

Ovechkin has something like 24 points in 15 career playoff games against Pitts (well above his career average) and everyone claims he is a playoff choker. lol. Washington as a team maybe but Ovechkin couldn't possibly do more than he has done against the Pens.

Well, needless to say I'm worried. If Crosby's injury was enough to force him out of the game that early it doesn't bode well for his chances of a quick return. They can still pull it out, but they'll need some luck and more strong goaltending from Fleury. Hopefully we get an update on his availability soon.

With his history, I will be shocked if he plays again this season.

No supplementary discipline for Niskanen. I think that's correct.

I saw it only today for the first time, and genuinely didn't think it was malicious at all. We've seen way way dirtier stuff these playoffs not even draw 2 mins.

You mean like the slash Ovechkin did to him that might've caused him to be concussed in the first place? Although I guess we don't know if it is that or his knee that's injured.

Rewatched the crosby hit a bunch. Still looks ultra scummy, maybe is hockey very tolerant of dirty play? Would seem like a pretty obvious suspension for one if not both of ovi/nisk.

Between the ovi slash and slewfoot, to niskanen clearly raising his stick and leaning in for the crosscheck, it's opportunistic intent. I doubt most people's first reaction when someone is down on their knees is to cross check them in the face.

No but a normal person's reaction to someone sliding at them at high speed is to put their hands up to protect themselves/so they don't get knocked over. Looked like that was all Niskanen did. Players are responsible for their stick so I can see a penalty to Niskanen there but a suspension, lol no. There are a dozen dirtier plays than that hit every single game in the playoffs, many of which don't get penalized at all.

I feel like the penalty in game was fine, don't think it deserved a suspension. Assuming it's his head I doubt he's back this year. If Letang was healthy I think the Pens would still will the cup, but this might be too much. With that being said, if the Pens can manage to win the two remaining games at home this series, they should be able to win their next series, and then anything can happen in the finals.

so Niskanen basically admits to intentionally trying to cross-check Crosby in the head but he didn't mean to do it that hard?

Trotz sounds like a whiney ***** as usual, but but what about Kunitz hitting somebody that was just as bad lol

OV doesn't take any heat of course despite trying to slash Sid in the head from behind ala McSorley

Crosby is confirmed to have a concussion, he's probably done for the year

Sid's got to start thinking about his next concussion being his last, like Lindros. Seriously, not posting for effect.

He can come back one more time (and even then), then he's got a life to think of. Dude needs to meet some of the dudes who have had 7-8. I'm at 9 and very fortunate only 4 were of the Crosby variety. Every single one makes it exponentially easier to get the next. I stopped playing all sports where there was more than 1 other person around me. That's the risk management I use now in life.

I think he's got 1 more concussion in him .... and no I didn't mean that as a troll.

Took him almost 2 years to go back to being a God after the last one, so this time that puts him well into his early 30's ..... if he gets rung up again at 32 or older I think he's calling it.

Not like he has anything left to prove anyway, although a 3rd cup this year might've pushed him into the top 5 on the GOAT list.

Major lol for trying to compare that to the McSorley/Brashear incident

lol at you

story checks out

you clipped the relevant quote, nice work

i was trying to cross-check him [he was, surprised he'd admit it though], but not super hard or anything. we just ran good and i happened to take him out for the season probably. yay me!

the relevant quote that doesn't contradict the direct answer to the question did he intend to cross-check him in the head?

Can you guys just not quote duck sauce/banana man? It makes putting their aids on ignore irrelevant when you do.

seems like he's saying "i was trying to lightly cross-check him in the shoulder [or neck, or whatever], but accidentally cross-checked him in the head. whoops!"

so, not at all what banana said? cool.

On one hand you know this is nothing more than click bait journalism, on the other, you know there is more than a solid layer of truth to it.

he seems pretty mad

If you want your slant a little more PC try this.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/news/ar...-on-crosby-hit

Crosby's previous concussions made him that much more likely to be taken out here. The truth is that he's never going to need much of a shot to be removed from the game now or ever. Ask Carlo on the Bruins who in game 82 got the AO crosscheck to the boards and a concussion and missed the playoffs as a result. Them's the breaks man. Welcome to sports. Crosby isn't special, people just notice it more when it's Sid. But this is how it is for everyone.

the one argument i do have time for is how the league needs to get over treating the crease area like international waters, where anything goes. it doesn't really make any sense, it's just a tradition that has carried on forever because ... i don't even know why. i'm sure Don Cherry could yell a nonsensical answer on the subject.

the play happens because Ovechkin hacks Crosby down (ok whatever, all in the game), and then Niskanen is basically expected to take the opportunity for the free shot on Sid. that's just how the game is played. he has the audacity to come near the net, he gets butchered. Niskanen gets 5 because Sid got hurt, otherwise it's just 2. no supplemental discipline because the NHL Department of Player Safety is an ironic institution led by barbarians like Stephane Quintal, Chris Pronger, and George Parros who only serve to reinforce this incoherent culture of violence. and we're out the best player in the world for what? gjge NHL