In 2011 Crosby was really struggling with these injuries and apparently during this time the Pittsburgh Penguins began to discuss if the team should name a new captain to the team due to the long absences of Crosby.
Sidney Crosby's Concussion Timeline.
2011 Winter Classic - January 1, 2011
Crosby takes a hit to the head from Capitals forward David Steckel. Although he ended up finishing the game, a hit against the boards in a game 4 days later left him out for the rest of the season. pic.twitter.com/ejlSOrgqKP— The Steve Moore Foundation Doctor (@TheSteveMooreD1) October 27, 2019
Surprisingly, these players who reportedly were looking for new leadership, were the teams leaders, in Brooks Orpik, Jordan Staal, Craig Adams and well, Matt Cooke.
We could have seen the Penguins name a new captain, but the Penguins second line center Evgeni Malkin, the other long-time star of the Penguins apparently stood up during the meeting.
After that the matter was settled, Crosby stayed captain. It's great to see Malkin show leadership here and stick up for his longtime teammate and friend.
We have seen on multiple occasions now Crosby do the same for Malkin when it comes to the team. There were rumours that former GM Jim Rutherford wanted to trade Malkin before Crosby stepped in, and apparently just this past summer Crosby flew out to see Malkin to convince him to re-sign a certain contract with the Penguins.
thIs among many other reasons is why sid rides so hard for geno pic.twitter.com/DAa4uj3vYM� "he's a libra moon 😭" (@byulzgalov) July 13, 2022
POLL | ||
Should they have replaced Crosby as captain? | ||
yes | 31 | 7.6 % |
no | 379 | 92.4 % |
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