Crosby to Skip All-Star Game?

[RGM81]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sport...rticle1873903/

Even though Sidney Crosby is a shoo-in to be chosen Tuesday as one of the captains who will pick the teams for the NHL all-star game, do not be surprised if he declines to participate, even if he recovers from his concussion.
The word filtering out of the Pittsburgh Penguins is that Crosby is an angry young man, angry enough to pull his considerable star presence from one of the league’s showcase events because he does not think the NHL is doing enough to protect its players. An NHL source said Crosby is not likely to tell the NHL he is withdrawing from the all-star game to protest the fact neither player who hit him on the head was suspended. However, he could easily decline and cite the need for complete recovery from a mild concussion.
The source said Crosby, who showed up at the all-star game in Montreal two years ago even though he sustained a knee injury and could not play, is not inclined to do any more such favours right now.

It would be unfortunate for the League and one of its showcase events if the face of the NHL didn't participate. It does send a strong message that he's taking a stand regarding blows to the head, and good on him for it, but if he is healthy enough to participate (and there's nothing at this time indicating that he will be) and doesn't show up I can imagine a lot of fans and executives being less than happy.

[theboxbreaker96]

it would be a huge blow but i live outside of pittsburgh and there is not a timetable for his return. he was still a little woozy according to the pens and would not play today. it would not surprise me if he didnt play in the rest of the pens 4 games this month. i dont think sid would miss the allstar game because he is taking action against the league. he is the face of the franchise and loosing him longer because he played in the allstar game isnt worth it to him or the pens. so if he is healthy im pretty sure he will play. we will see

[09232003]

I think the most important thing to remember is that he is playing for the penguins and not for the NHL, what I mean is his contract is for the Penguins, so to play in the all star game is not that important to the Team. He needs to be 100% health to be effective for the Penguins, so if he is not ready, he should not play in the all star.

it will be unfortunate to not see him there but he must do whats best for him and his team.
lets hope he can recover and be ready to play, either in the all star game or for the penguins.

jim

[30ranfordfan]

If his head is back to 99% healthy in time for the all star game, SKIP IT! If he's fully recovered from the concussion great, but if not.... it's a meaningless exhibition. Do yourself, your team, and your fans a favour - and rest up.

[mr ozzie]

Good on him. Hopefully others will follow suit. Intentional or not, these hits to the head have to be addressed.

[Craig2]

I think it's a good statement by Crosby, hopefully the league would take notice.

I know the game is supposed to be a showcase event for the league, but I always find it painful to watch. If I'm trying to recruit hockey fans, I'd much rather pop in a DVD of the Olympic gold medal game than to watch the embarrassing non-hockey played in the ASG. It makes the upcoming Pro Bowl look like the picture of intensity.

[RGM81]

Update on this from Darren Dreger: http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=349947

According to Brendan Shanahan, if Sid's healthy he'll be there.

[Pheebs888]

He might be there but it wont be as a captain those will be Eric Staal and Lidstrom...

[timber09]

Sounds very similar to a stand made against clutching and grabbing about 15 years back by another Penguin - and I've heard that the two of them may have contact from time to time...ha!

From a health standpoint this seems to be a nobrainer - he hasn't played in quite some time and even if he is back to a spot where he feels like he could get out there and compete it's better for everyone involved (including the NHL) if he takes an extra couple of days off.

Kid has a good head on his shoulders, no doubt about that.

[Craig2]

Kid has a good head on his shoulders, no doubt about that.

But probably not quite as good as it was a few weeks ago. :)