Kyle_ftl wrote:
Everyone thinks he's the new god of hockey even though he's at best the 4th best forward on the ice
in this series. The Wings' duo of Zetterberg and Datsyuk are both better than Crosby and so is his own teammate, Malkin. You may disagree, as it's an arguable thing... but Malkin lead the team throughout the season, and I think it will take at least 2 more years before Crosby becomes this hockey god everyone believes that he is.[/quote]
Well, god is a bit overrated expression, yeah, but Crosby is really good. I said good, not god. Hossa has sucked in these finals, so Crosby is all alone in his line in this series. Zetterberg and Datsyuk play together, and have been very solid so far. But one playoff series shouldn't tell about the players' skills. Also, Crosby was injured about 30 games this season, so that's why he hadn't got as many points as Malkin.
Crosby was first in points in 06-07, and sixth in 05-06, his rookie season. You have to look the player by overall, not by one playoff series.
To compare the first three seasons of these players in points:
Crosby had 102, 120 and 72
Zetterberg had 44, 43 and 85
Datsyuk had 35, 51, 68.
Of course, the times were different and teammates and linemates do have an impact.
Ovechkin is the best player of the league, no doubt about it. But NHL has decided to promote Crosby as the face of the league. Hockey is originally a Canadian sport, so they wanted to use Canadian player as the face, not Russian one.
But of course, like you said, who's the best is a matter of opinion, and we can't really argue about it.
But to answer your question, I really see there's some hope for Pens, if they play at the level they can. Hossa has struggled big time, missing open nets in game three in high percent. If their best winger doesn't know where the net is, it's going to be a hard way to the cup.
If Penguins play at the level they played on previous rounds, I can't see why couldn't they win it all. But judging by the first three finals, I must admit that I would be surprised if the cup doesn't go to Hockeytown.