There was definitely a shift in Crosby's game since he lost a step. He leans more on his IQ now but he was flying over the ice in his prime years - I expect the same kind of shift with Mack when that happens. These kind of players are built different.
The thing I love about Sid is how much he’s changed and taken his own development seriously throughout his entire career. He could have just coasted on his natural ability but no, he wanted to be his best possible self for the Pens.
People said he whined too much, he started defending himself.
Was criticized for being bad at faceoffs, he became one of the best in the league.
Not a winner, wins the Conn Smythe twice.
Consistently compared to Ovechkin, criticized for the lacked of finishing ability, goes and wins the Rocket Richard trophy.
Not good defensively, becomes a really good two-way forward.
He does all of this and still takes way below market value contracts. It’s really impressive what we’ve been able to witness from him.