The Hit That ‘Almost’ Ruined Sidney Crosby’s Career

“Welcome back Sid” Absolute goosebumps. Guy had 4 points in this comeback game too. Great video

Because of Crosby's concussion, the league, at the thought of losing its biggest star, started to take concussions more seriously and oddly enough, the narrative around "playing through injuries" was put on display for its worst traits and it started to change. At least in terms of concussions. I know old school dudes will complain about players being "soft," but considering how many legends with concussion issues die early, I'd take them being able to stay out of games when hurt over their quality of life fading as they get older. The fact Crosby came back nearly a year later and was basically right where he was is nothing short of amazing. I'm from the East Coast of Canada so I have a lot of connection to him, even seeing him live in the Q before he went to the NHL. As a kid, basically every kid's second favourite team was Pittsburgh. I'd argue that, if he didn't miss those 10 months and another injury I remember he had, and kept his same pace, there would probably be no debate between him and Ovi in regards of who is over better considering Crosby has played less games but has near the same amount of points. It will be a sad day when Crosby hangs up his skates, but I'm thankful for him being a major part of my childhood and making me stay in love with the game after the lockout.

Penguins are blessed with great comeback stories, like Lemieux and Crosby.

I remember when this happened - there was actual real doubt if concussions would cut Crosby's career short. Other guys like Clarke MacArthur and Marc Savard were robbed of their careers due to concussions, and it wasn't out of the question if they would require Sid to retire. It's a real shame it did have to happen - those hits stole some of the prime years of Crosby where he was undisputedly the best player in the NHL, would have liked to see what kind of point totals he could have put up in those years.

One of my favourite goals ever. I love how one of the clips the media had put out about him practicing was that backhand that busted the water bottle and then his goal back is almost a mirror image of that shot. Poetic

and now we have sid the middle aged man tearing up the league

I will never complain about being born in Pittsburgh and having the privilege of driving a mere 8 miles to see some of the world’s greatest hockey players since the day I was born in 1991, but Penguins fandom does come with an interesting monkey’s paw: Your team will be blessed with some of the greatest talents in the sports’s history BUT they will never be allowed to reach their full potential.

Sid's comeback is something that somehow gets so much less attention than it should. Just shows his character being able to return to superstar level after such a horrible battle with an injury that has ended so many careers.

Crosby missed close to 200 games due to injury. If he hadn’t he would easily have 1700-1750 points right now. Which already would put him at the cusp of top 5 scoring all time. He still also has another season or two in him so he could have potentially ended up 1800 or more. That on top of his two way game and leadership ability makes him easily one of the greatest players of all time.

A common misconception is that it was a concussion keeping him out. In reality, while the concussion was undoubtedly the initial cause, it was a lingering neck injury mimicking the symptoms of post acute concussion syndrome that prevented him from returning.

The NHL almost made the same mistake they made with Lindros…

Crosby could have 300+ more points and another cup under his belt Cyclone Taylor, The Rocket, Howe, Orr, Gretzky, Lemieux, Crosby.... He is a generational GOAT

100/10 videos. I come to watch one and end up sitting here forever watching more of your content. Keep it up!

I distinctly remember that hit at the WC, but I had no idea that he was actually back on the ice right after and got a second concussion right away. We're so lucky Crosby was able to just come back in the first place, let alone come back to the level he was. I wish Lindros, Kariya, Deadmarsh and the others had the same chance

great video man, always excited when you upload

Nobody talks about Pat LaFontaine😢😢 He had a special helmet just for playing after the last one

The fact that he's still playing at a point per game level just shows that taking the time to heal was the right call.

As always, great video

I love your content man, awesome stuff

Early 2010s Sid was a fucking force.