Sidney Crosby might not hit 100 points this season. He’s only on pace to hit 86, according to NHL.com.
And while he may be only two points off the league lead as of Friday afternoon, before the New York Islanders on John Tavares hit the ice for their game against the Senators, this is being talked about as a down season for Crosby.
His goal totals are down from a year ago. His point total is down.
And yet, he’s manufactured a Corsi For rating of 55.7 per cent at five-on-five, which suggests puck possession isn’t an issue.
“I wouldn’t change anything I’m doing, to be honest with you,” said Crosby, as per The Canadian Press. “I’m working hard. I’m doing my best. If people’s expectations are higher than mine, then I can’t change that.”
On an individual level, this is his third worst season for shooting percentage, behind the lockout-shortened season and the 2011-12 campaign, when he played only 22 games.
The Penguins team shooting percentage with Crosby on the ice during five-on-five play this season has dropped below nine per cent, which is the lowest its been in his time as an NHL player, according to stats.hockeyanalysis.com.
“I’d love to score more,” he later added.
“You can’t explain why pucks hit posts and bounce out instead of in. I don’t have a great explanation for you. Other than probably a handful of times this year, I feel like some of those pucks would usually find a way to go in and not out.”
While his point totals might be down overall, he’s been a regular contributor on the score sheet over the past three weeks. Four times in his last nine games, he’s recorded two points or more.