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Crosby is ‘just the opposite’ of a whiner, says Sullivan

NHL Stanley Cup Final - Media Day

PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 29: Head coach Mike Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Penguins addresses the media during the NHL Stanley Cup Final Media Day at Consol Energy Center on May 29, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

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Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk had plenty to say about Sidney Crosby, essentially calling the Penguins star a “whiner” the following morning after the Penguins star injured Marc Methot with a slash.

A few hours after Melnyk’s comments, ahead of Pittsburgh’s game against the New York Islanders, Penguins coach Mike Sullivan came to the defense of his player.

He said Crosby is, based on what he deals with every game from opposing players, “just the opposite” of a whiner.

Crosby didn’t receive a penalty for his slash on Methot, who suffered a gruesome finger injury and is expected to be “out for weeks” as a result. No. 87 also didn’t receive any further discipline.

“I don’t think it was intentional,” said Sullivan, per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “He’s trying to slash on the stick. It happens numerous times in the game. It was unfortunate that he caught his hand. That’s how I saw it.”

Meanwhile, speaking to hockey insider Darren Dreger, Crosby’s agent Pat Brisson also weighed in on Melnyk’s comments. No surprise here, but, um, he didn’t agree with the Senators owner.

The Penguins enter tonight’s game just two points back of Washington for top spot in the Metropolitan Division.