Mark Madden: 'Just play' strategy not working for cowardly Penguins

A certain vulgarity used to describe absence of bravery does not, as popularly thought, have an anatomical origin. Rather, it derives from the word pusillanimous, which is defined as “showing a lack of courage or determination; timid.”

That understood, the Pittsburgh Penguins are as pusillanimous as can be.

The latest chapter of cowardice disguised as “just play” occurred Saturday night at Los Angeles.

The Penguins trailed 5-0 midway through the third period in a game not as close as the score might indicate. An unprovoked cross-check by Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson sent Penguins captain Sidney Crosby tumbling. Shaken, Crosby remained prone for a bit.

When Crosby rose, he started barking at Anderson and at game officials. Crosby ultimately earned the first game misconduct of his NHL career. He should have been grateful to leave that mess early.

Crosby’s teammates, meanwhile, did nothing.

It was the height of pusillanimity.

With any other NHL team, a cross-check to a top player ignites immediate retaliation. Heck, a clean hit to a star often triggers World War III. Anderson should have had to drop the gloves and fight, right then and there. Especially at 5-0. The game was decided.

The cross-check wasn’t over the top. It was more generic than vicious. It did make Crosby collide with another Kings player.

But there’s a protocol to be followed that the Penguins just don’t. That’s been the case far too long.

They’re pusillanimous, and the opposition knows it.

That’s how Jacob Trouba of the New York Rangers can knock Crosby out of a playoff series with a hit to the head. Not that Trouba could be stopped, but he knew he wouldn’t have to pay the piper. That makes it easy.

Jake Guentzel, Rickard Rakell, P.O Joseph and Mark Friedman were on the ice when Anderson applied the lumber. Guentzel, Rakell and Joseph aren’t inclined in that regard. But that doesn’t mean none should retaliate. Anderson used his stick. Use yours.

But if Friedman isn’t going to go after Anderson, what good is he?

Friedman is known for being a disturbing element. His talent is minimal. He’s lucky when he gets a jersey.

So go ahead and disturb. Don’t just stand there and watch your star get cross-checked, then ejected. Share his frustration and let him know you’re there for him.

Friedman chose pusillanimity.

It’s a popular choice in that locker room. It should be displayed on the Penguins’ crest as their motto: “Nil Satis Nisi Pusillanimity.” Or maybe just plain, “We Won’t Fight.”

One Penguin who would be a good bet to retaliate on Crosby’s behalf is Kris Letang. But Letang wasn’t on the ice, and he shouldn’t have to. Letang, too, is a star. Jason Zucker probably jumps in there, too. But it’s a short list.

Hockey’s culture demands that dominoes fall in instances like this. It’s deplorable, but it exists, and it’s not going away.

On the positive side, it can make a team bond. These Penguins could use some bonding, especially when they play good opposition. The Penguins have one win and nine losses in their last 10 games against teams currently in playoff positions.

Turning the end of that loss to the Kings into a bit of a circus could have provided some “us against them” energy moving forward.

Instead, the Penguins just lost. Crosby is likely mad, perhaps on several levels.

“Just play” is the Penguins mantra. I get it. Problem is, they hide behind it.