Mark Madden's Hot Take: Sidney Crosby doing everything he can to save Penguins' season

The Pittsburgh Penguins have played 80 games and won 40. They’re an average team at best, clearly flawed in many aspects, and have a lot of bad players.

But if the Penguins miss the postseason and their playoff streak ends after 16 years, don’t dare place even an ounce of blame on Sidney Crosby. The captain is doing everything he can to drag a meh roster across the finish line.

Crosby hasn’t been so productive lately. His two goals Saturday at Detroit ended a seven-game scoring drought.

Some players are exactly as good as their numbers, but Crosby has always far transcended his. (That’s a considerable statement: Crosby hit 1,500 career points Saturday, the 15th NHL player to do so.) Crosby does nothing poorly. His drive and guidance are primary reasons why the Penguins still have a chance.

Leadership is often overrated. Lots of players wear the “C” because they’re the team’s best player. Crosby is, but his letter isn’t just for show.

Crosby has 91 points in 80 games. He has had more points in six seasons but, given his age and the context of what he has to work with, this is truly one of his best campaigns.

He’s 35 and, some gray hairs notwithstanding, Crosby refuses to get old. (God, beer and fried foods have long since robbed me of that option.)

Crosby was vintage in Saturday’s 5-1 win: He buried a sizzling backhand, got a hard-fought second-effort assist and sniped a wrist shot. (Crosby has the best backhand in history. There should be a bad T-shirt that proclaims that.)

GM Ron Hextall’s decision to keep the core of three elderly stars intact looks like one of his few good ones, at least in the short term. Crosby, Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin have carried the Penguins.

But it’s mostly Crosby. He won’t take no for an answer.

Crosby is one of the five best hockey players ever and might be second-best (behind Edmonton’s Connor McDavid) right now. Those things aren’t said enough, so allow me. Praising Crosby has wrongly become cliched.