Crosby vs Panthers, Again
Sidney Crosby only has three fights in his hockey career. Two have come this season against the Panthers. There must be something about a Florida jersey that drives him crazy.
In yesterday’s Pens-Cats game Keith Ballard went and upended Evgeni Malkin. A clean hip-check it might have been, but when you see your team’s leading scorer’s feet where his head should be and his head where his feet should be – a teammate might take issue with that. Crosby was nearest (Bill Guerin didn’t arrive much later) and took on Ballard. It wasn’t too eventful a fight, but it was a sign that Crosby’s taking that “C” very seriously. Ballard knew the hit would lead to something:
“After a hit like that you’ve got to figure somebody’s coming,” Ballard said. “They were on the power play, so they didn’t have a bunch of tough guys out there.
“I didn’t know who it would be right away. But he’s their captain, and no matter who it is they (felt like) they needed to do something.”
The Panthers went on to win the game, putting them in a tie with the Rangers for the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference. The Rangers currently win the tie-breaker, but each team has three games left.
There was one other fight last night. Ian Laperriere grappled with Ryan Kesler in the late game.
There’s only one week left of the regular season.
Videos added
Ian Laperriere vs Ryan Kesler Apr 5, 2009
Sidney Crosby vs Keith Ballard Apr 5, 2009
Some reads
The Sather Issue
Man Attends Game as Leonsis
Sharks’ home edge takes a hit
