Is there a "rift" between Sidney Crosby and Mario Lemieux?
Matt Barnaby seems to think so.
According to @MattBarnaby3636, multiple sources have indicated "there is definitely a rift" between Crosby and #Pens owner Mario Lemieux
— Mike Colligan (@MikeColligan) November 25, 2015
Barnaby said he inquired about Malkin/Crosby relationship. Was told that is fine, but Crosby and Lemieux had disagreements back to 2014
— Mike Colligan (@MikeColligan) November 25, 2015
What you take from this depends on how much stock you are putting in Matthew Barnaby being the only guy with this scoop.
It is natural to have disagreements with people when you fall short of perceived goals for many years in a row. The Pittsburgh Penguins were anointed the next Oilers dynasty and that was even before they won their first and only Stanley Cup of the Crosby/Malkin era.
Anything short of a Stanley Cup Championship has been deemed a failure since 2009 for the Pittsburgh Penguins. That kind pressure adds up over time and creates tension and a work environment that isn't fun to be around. Working in that kind of environment gets old.
Throw in the insane amount of injuries and disease that this team has dealt with and no wonder people can be showing signs of frustration.
I can't speak to if Crosby and Lemieux actually have a personal rift but could anybody blame Sidney Crosby for being upset? I'd be upset if I were Crosby, too. His prime years were robbed because of the "accidental" cheap shot by fourth line plug David Steckel in the 2011 Winter Classic.
His team is always injured
Roster construction has also been subpar for the last few years.
Add all that up and combine it with the fact that Crosby has his worst start to an NHL season and you have a perfect storm brewing.
Regarding the 66/87 talk: I don't think they are as close as they once were. But I think "rift" might be too strong of a word. Just my take.
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) November 25, 2015
Whatever the severity of this "rift" there is one thing that is certain. Winning hockey games will make it all disappear.
Thanks for reading!