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

#nhl #hockey #pittsburghpenguins #torontomapleleafs
Sidney Crosby was the face of NHL Hockey for a long time. In the prime of his career, this one hit triggered a series of events that kept the games greatest player on the sideline for almost a full calendar year.
#philadelphiaflyers #montrealcanadiens

[@modernwarfaremaniac12]

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

[@tylerjennings8242]

Dude, when he roofed that backhander and screamed FUCK YEAH, I lost my mind. One of my favorite games as a Pens fan simply for that moment.

[@dagade2005]

Alright, the fact that I noticed/read this comment the second Sid top shelved the backhand and hearing "Welcome back Sid!" gave me extra chills. Absolutely insane.

[@Beavie]

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.

[@lenny6744]

I know Ovi’s on the verge of beating the all time goals record. But, Sid’s still got him beat in accolades 45 more points in 150 less games. 4 SCF appearances (won 3 of 4) to 1 SCF appearance (1 for 1). Both won a gold & silver medal at world juniors. Crosby has 2 olympic gold medals, Ovi has no olympic medals. Both of them were superstars with the puck on their stick. But Crosby could turn the players around him into superstars aswell, that was the difference maker.

[@BigBrothersEnd]

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

[@justinb4712]

Letang

[@codypendency9482]

Letang

[@TJ_ONLY]

And the franchise in general. What a treat the last 30 years as a Pens fan have been.

[@dereksu6194]

@@justinb4712most overrated penguin of all time

[@justinb4712]

@@dereksu6194 haters gonna hate.

[@BroKenskull316]

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

[@JoshuaRichardHancock]

one of the greatest players ever.

[@TT-rt9vv]

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.

[@ryandymond2195]

Just look at what McDavid is doing now. I think what we missed from Sidney’s career due to injury is what we’re seeing from McDavid now.

[@Childofbhaal]

At one point and in Crosby’s prime he was #4 all time in PPG. McDavid is right now at #4 so they had similar early careers. Crosby would definitely have at least 1,700 points right now no question if he was healthy.

[@severed111]

Man, I'm no Bruins at all, but the loss of Marc Savard was massive for Boston, imagine how even more crazy good they would have been in the early to mid 10's. One of the best centres of the '00s, guys like Kovalchuk and Heatley couldn't measure up without him as their center elsewhere.

[@michaelshields6326]

​@@ChildofbhaalYa they actually both hit 500 points in exactly the same amount of games. Their careers, season through season up to year 6 are crazy similar. Even the whole losing the Art Ross to a Russian superstar winger and then to their own teammate mirrored each other.

[@jreiland07]

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.

[@kevinalexander6812]

I see your point, but in all fairness we did get the best years of Jaromir Jagr's career.

[@humblelad]

Has Crosby not reached full potential? Do you want a cup every year? He gotcha three

[@3Torts]

He didn't reach his full potential. 3 Cups is great. @@humblelad

[@deadbeathero2239]

Penguins r still goated 🤞🏻 personal fav team bc i livd the city right by pittsburgh

[@badmanskill1112]

I think Mario was the GOAT. He did it without a juggernaut team like Edmonton. Edmonton even won the cup the second year after Wayne left. When Mario wasn't playing Pitts couldn't even make the playoffs or barely squeaked in.

[@StuartTurner13]

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.

[@stinkfinger630]

You’re absolutely right, bro! Sid is amazing. That hit was terrible. Dirty!

[@JPiattelli]

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

[@Childofbhaal]

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.

[@severed111]

If a guy like Pavelski who's a tier or two below him can get close to 90 point seasons at 38, I think Sid if he stays healthy and motivated is likely to be great until his possible last year on his contract (where he will be 40) and I'm not sure he will hang up his skates yet then. They're going for what should have been 2 years ago when goalie injuries had the NYR take them out in 6, by the skin of their teeth too, with the addition of Karlsson and removal of old wood like Petry and Dumoulin. Also goodbye Granlund, not that he sucks but his kind of play and team are always more defensively oriented. Sam Poulin might become what we expected of him too, he's been back from his personal issues and ready to play since late March, if he unlocks his powers, that will be one young new addition to the team, one of the rare guys they have drafted that is not lost, yet. I don't know what happened with him last year, but his father Patrick Poulin was a great player and Sam was poised to be an even greater player. As long as he doesn't pull a Drouin, he might surprise some. Karlsson will also reduce a bit of Letang's insane amounts of minutes on ice, which he needed, even if he's healthy, he has those heart issues...and if Jarry gets back to where he was in 2021-2022, the next 2-3 years shall be very interesting.

[@goose5462]

unfortunately he isn't even the greatest penguin player of all time.

[@StephenMacInnis]

Top5 easy

[@mr.brenman2132]

​@@goose5462Fortunately you're a dolt so we don't have to consider your opinion. When all is said and done Crosby will have more playoff points, regular season points, and Stanley Cup's the Mario. You can argue the Mario was the more talented player but Crosby is still building his legacy. His work ethic has already made him the best age 36 player in NHL history.

[@goose5462]

@@mr.brenman2132 Crosby is better than Lemieux? Crosby is better than Jagr? Hey dummy, are you aware that Lemieux career was cut short? Hey captain stupid, since points are so important to you, have you seen Jagr's totals. You should see the doctor concerning your head injury, this is too easy.

[@StonedSpagooter]

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

[@ethanparker7900]

idk the bruins were quite stacked in 2011🤷‍♂

[@Childofbhaal]

Idk about 300 points, but you could definitely at least say 200. He missed around 200 games and was a PPG player. Maybe 200-250 points. He would probably be at 1700-1750 right now

[@tychoncek]

​@@Childofbhaal if he played those 200 games, He's easily getting 300 or more points. He was playing well above 1.5 ppg these injured years(in an era where ppg meant you were a superstar). This was prime Sid we are talking about. The gap really wasn't close to the next guy. Would've had 3 more harts to his resume as well In those years, not to mention was robbed In 2013 when he missed quarter of season and still tied the eventual hart winner in points, Ovi.

[@tychoncek]

​@@Childofbhaalera adjusted to scoring this year - Sid is putting up 150 points seasons..

[@codypendency9482]

Who is cyclone Taylor ?

[@brandonjull8164]

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.

[@michaelshields6326]

Yes I think this is made more apparent by the fact that he suffered 2 concussions in 16/17 and only missed 6 games for the first one and only 1 game for the second. The Pens medical staff blew it with their handling of his injury, I remember their whole medical team was let go not long after it came out that he had actually had a neck injury.

[@leokeesic3657]

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

[@severed111]

I remember, liked that player a whole lot, Mogilny did too! (his 76 goals were very often assisted by Lafontaine). The guy was a Joe Sakic level type of centre and his time with the NYR and the strange helmet are sad memories, the Islanders would have kept him if Bossy didn't retire prematurely too....

[@LotsaJelloChannel]

great video man, always excited when you upload

[@the1andonly759]

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

[@yanzi1957]

lol i just watched the video he made on lindros, crazy

[@raidermarc]

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

[@lessthanthreemetal]

Early 2010s Sid was a fucking force.

[@Jebulinator]

Easily one of the best players to ever play the game.

[@isetbudsonfire]

As a life long penguins game I wept like a 16 yr old girl on prom night when he scored that goal against the islanders. It was as good as a feeling as watching him lift those 3 cups. Astonishing to say the least.

[@campbellshepherd7882]

They still miss handling concussion unfortunately. Jack Eichel should have never been back on ice the game after his tka chuck hit

[@mr.brenman2132]

That wasn't a concussion.

[@ewc88flyersxx95]

I love your content man, awesome stuff

[@Timboslice475]

Damn I’m new to hockey as a fan so I been watching a bunch of videos and highlights since I never grew up watching the sport and I don’t even know this guy but seeing this man score 5:00 to coming back onto the ice gave me chills.

[@rileybragin8552]

as a caps fan who wouldn’t be born for another seven months this could’ve been one of the best days of my life

[@johnv17v54]

Bud you’re lucky to see him play😂

[@UnhingedOperator]

Fun fact about David steckle who did the outdoor game hit. He plays c league in Columbus Ohio and his beer league stats are on his wiki

[@bryanf1957]

Stecks did not hit that crybaby. he's very tall. crybaby was not paying attention and skated right into him. watch it again

[@UnhingedOperator]

@@bryanf1957 ok regardless of how you perceive who hit who lmfao. He was involved in said collision as it is the reason this whole video exists. and does play beer league in Columbus Ohio. Next time say something worhwhile

[@alina-87]

If I could time travel THIS is the moment I would change

[@jameiealehandro]

please do miracle on ice. please.

[@hockeypsychology]

I see ya 👀

[@lambert581]

@@hockeypsychology I wonder if certain fan bases in the NHL called Crosby soft & weak. I bet some Flyers fans did since their scumbags

[@ethanparker7900]

It obviously sucks that crosby had to miss so much time but his prime wasn't robbed entirely. Don't forget he won the art ross and hart trophy in 2014.

[@YeYe-db6ur]

2014 was his 8th best productive season we were robbed

[@ethanparker7900]

8th? Id say 4th or 5th@@YeYe-db6ur

[@YeYe-db6ur]

@@ethanparker7900 it’s statistical not an opinion

[@ethanparker7900]

yah im talking statistical too. Either way you gotta stop crying like a little bitch because as much as injuries suck, it is apart of the game and tbh crosby hasn't changed his game much and you guys got 2 more cups after his concussion issues so you have a lot to be proud of and no need to cry over 1-2 robbed seasons @@YeYe-db6ur

[@michaelshields6326]

​@@YeYe-db6urera adjusted it's his best full season. 13/14 was the tail end of his peak. He wasn't as good as he was the 3 seasons prior but he was so far ahead of the rest of the league that he still won the scoring race by 17 points.

[@PetterHughes]

I can't believe Steckel didn't get suspended

[@vicckyyy2001]

The NHL safety office still has a problem.

[@AidenLafleur]

Prime Crosby 🐐

[@jordan.a-zk9pg]

Looking at that hit again, it looks like his neck got the worst of it. I'm glad to see he got back on the saddle.

[@turkeykaiser]

Philly almost literally killed Lindros. Garbage franchise.

[@rjdaire38]

As a Rangers fan: Screw Crosby As a hockey fan, I respect the work ethic and dedication. And can appreciate the story. Also pray noone else has to be put through something like this again

[@syzionaurifex5383]

Steckel took 5 years off Crosby’s career with that collision. You can’t say he meant to do that cuz both players look toward the puck and aren’t completely aware of their surroundings for that split moment. This is a fast sport and unfortunately sometimes people get hurt

[@MrJumper1956]

5 yrs eh, you a Doctor?

[@mr.brenman2132]

He did not take 5 years off his career.

[@deadbeathero2239]

Sidney crosby is a legend 🔥

[@ryanstaunton421]

To me, Crosby is the best hockey player I’ve ever seen in my life. He is the goat for me.

[@jhoffner63]

“Initiating contact” 😂😂😂😂😂

[@RonaldKragnes]

@6:17 All the "feels." #LetsGoPens

[@eliekemp126]

People don't seem to understand enough how bad concussions really are. Having one head injury is bad enough but then that second hit only days later for Crosby likely did major damage. The comment where he would be feeling better and then suddenly get a headache again sounds like migraine activity, in my opinion. Migraines are common after head injuries and concussions and that's probably why he was out for so long. Migraines are absolutely terrible (I get them weekly), and the way they absolutely ruin your physical state and mental state when they hit you is unreal. I assume, if he was experiencing migraines from the injury, that's what made his recovery so long and difficult.

[@mr.brenman2132]

He actually had an undiagnosed neck injury that was causing his Concussion symptoms. That doesn't get talked about for some reason.

[@markusw9286]

The fact that Steckel didn't get a suspension/penalty for such a dirty hit is beyond me

[@ScarsUnseen24]

Scott Stevens :)

[@Elsidu13]

Over here in the Netherlands you don't see much NHL games. But NHL has the same problems as NFL. You start you're professional career you better watch yourself. A concussion is right next door and how doctors give the greenlight to players to go play again is a mystery to me. A concussion is a concussion and the more you have them you will not live a long and healthy live. A lot of former NHL players are coming out with problems after there career in the NHL. All these injuries are permanent and most of them have young families and won't have a long live since the understanding of the human brain is so complex. If you have organizations that only care about the money it's bringing in you will have more players who will be diagnosed with this terrible disease where they at some point won't recognize there families. I am not surprised that former players of the NFL advice there kids not to play but find yourself another sport where there is less risks. A lot of famous ballers have admitted to tell there kids that. I am sure it's already happening in the NHL. I think more players should come out and tell there stories. I have not seen any documentary/journalists telling the media that they are going to investigate this and tell the masses about the game and there risks. I hope someone stands up.

[@nintendoconvert4045]

Crosby > McDavid. And I hated Sidney as a Flyers fan. Just hearing those accomplishments at such a young age, he has to be greater.

[@31teeth97]

I’ve always disliked Crosby. Why? Because I wish we had him lol. The guy has the filthiest backhand ever. I’m really glad that wasn’t the end of his career.

[@jordenmcgrath3175]

Isn’t this only half the story? Didn’t he take more time off after the comeback ?

[@mr.brenman2132]

No.

[@benjaminmiller788]

I call bullshit. This is 2011 professional sports organization. 2008-2009 my high school had mandatory concussion screening.

[@jameson1239]

See that’s just it they care far more about kids then adults

[@Stagnant_Gravy]

Would you be more concerned if a kid had a concussion or an adult? Heck, they banned fighting in some junior leagues, what’s next for professional leagues?

[@benjaminmiller788]

I just don't agree that they didn't have spotters. Crosby alledges the NHL didn't have concussion protocol 🤥 With Eric Lindros and all the hoopla the NFL was raising I find this unbelievable. There have been cameras isolating on Crosby since his first NHL game!

[@jameson1239]

@@benjaminmiller788 according to the national library of medicine they implemented concussion protocol in 2010 and implemented professional spotters in 2015-16

[@mr.brenman2132]

​@@jameson1239 And they should. Kids aren't getting paid and they are KIDS.

[@AgentFortySeven47]

did you mean to make this video 8 minutes and 7 seconds for number 87?

[@Elsidu13]

Keep telling you're story about the dark side of the game and the injuries that actually break these fantastic players. The truth needs to be told.

[@BKHockeyTalk]

I’m a rangers fan. It’s taken awhile but, nothing but respect for Sid, he’s put together one of the best careers of all time. And the mental hurdle it took to get through post concussion syndrome and keep getting better and better afterwards is warrior shit. 🫡

[@vicckyyy2001]

People who dislike Crosby hate greatness.

[@no1run732]

I can't believe Crosby was so lazy back in the day. The hit that started it all was him looking at where the puck was going after getting rid of it when really he should have been looking at his surroundings and knowing how close players were before he even gets rid of the puck. It's amazing how many people think that this is a follower's sport. You have to think several moves in advance and that includes ones that incorporate safety into your play not just how you're going to make your plays. I'm pretty sure that Crosby today wouldn't dare linger like that knowing full well nothing he does after getting rid of the puck is going to affect the play until later on he gets there or it comes back. He just looked like an amateur on that first it and it's painful to watch someone so good play like that back then.

[@bradsalluom6050]

Ah yes. The Crosby is “lazy” because he turned to look at the puck after not even playing it and then gets an elbow to the face from some fringe Minor Leaguer when he doesn’t have the puck. Look guys I found the guy who never made it past Bantam

[@krypton1260]

NHL refused to discipline Steckel for the hit and has for all others, even for career ending hits. And no, 1-5 game misconducts won't cut it if ther other guy misses nearly a years worth of games or has to end their career. NHL needs a "tit for tat" -rule. Offending player misses the same number of games as their victim.

[@georgebaigent8078]

You mean the cheap shot that almost ruined his career.

[@Nohyucks]

Love it

[@ozzydo2314]

Steckel wasn't even looking at him, and crosby turned directly into him.

[@KarlPiper]

3:00 we knew then too, just ignored it.

[@gallydex3566]

People saying it was on purpose are incredibly stupid. You can even see he tried ducking out of crosby’s way lol

[@afk9handler]

Two dirty hits...

[@ShinobiHOG]

He made sure it ruined hockey.....

[@michaelshields6326]

Oh yeah because he totally forced the league to change the rules. He never once complained or accused Steckel of a cheap shot. He just worked his ass to get back on the ice. It was the league that finally got its head out of its ass after watching dozens of talented players and almost 2 generational players have their careers cut short because of head injuries that finally lead to a change.

[@Aikisbest]

Not that anyone deserve a tackle like that, but Crosby being the recipient makes it a tiny bit less "hard" to swallow. Also, while technically a dirty hit, I dont think anyone can say for sure that it was deliberate, or if it was, the guy needs to get an oscar for his ability to make it look like it was not deliberate.

[@tt128556]

Wasn't even a tackle, he was skating by and Crosby was not paying attention. One of the most unfortunate concussions ever if it had been career-ending.

[@Brian-dh9lp]

All because the fighting rules were changed and enforcers removed from the game. Shame on the nhl for going soft to comply with political correctness.

[@WolverineIncognito]

Crosby is a baby and a disgrace to the game. It’s good he’s okay, but the game would be better off if he showed some class.

[@Stagnant_Gravy]

Many trophies later and people still moan about when his teenage hormones were raging 😂

[@him8012]

Spoken like a true dumbass - you still stuck in 2006? He's literally voted the best ambassador to the game BY THE PLAYERS every year in the NHLPA poll. Every NHL legend that has met Crosby speaks highly of his class, never find players saying anything bad about him but are rather starstruck. Orr, Lemieux, and Gretzky called Crosby a top 5 player of all time - the fact that you claim he has no class shows you're just a hater LOL.

[@s4mcote]

You can’t be serious, dude

[@alainsoucysergerie9879]

Hey guys! I found the stupidest comment on KZbin!

[@danielcurry1695]

You misspelled @WolverineIncognito

[@Mike-zf4xg]

imagine letting some trash like Steckel ruining a Crosby level career.

[@tt128556]

He wasn't even trying to tackle Crosby, just skating by, so it's a bit harsh to call him trash.

[@terskatti4994]

cindy is soft

[@cigsbutt]

That P.O.S. did that on purpose and you will never convince me otherwise.

[@Shmoof_]

that was no where near on purpose.

[@Stagnant_Gravy]

I’ll be shocked if this isn’t a caps or flyers fan

[@cigsbutt]

@@Shmoof_ You don't read very well do you?

[@cigsbutt]

@@Stagnant_Gravy I agree, neither of them could read.

[@gallydex3566]

You can even tell he tried ducking out of the way. You can’t predict what someone who isn’t looking your way what they’re going to do

[@rocketrider1405]

Be serious. A dollar store goon player can take out a star player and there are no consequences. Thousands of dollars are reeled in because even in poor NHL markets everyone will want to attend to see Crosby play. That’s not right.

[@estellegrignon]

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

[@BRDNYT]

Won gold in 2010 on my birthday*

[@Shik0njuul934]

That was a wild night I remember that as a kid

[@tt128556]

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.

[@citizenkane454]

Robbed sid of realistically 300 points.

[@dropthatshi]

8 min 7 second video, nice

[@rodsummerfield1241]

I hope Carey Price does the same. I highly dought it, unfortunately. Awesome video as always!

[@devseb]

As always, great video

[@carson_cwc3671]

Never forgive Washington and Tampa for what they took from us that year. Who knows Crosby could have been the 2nd 2000 point player but not anymore…

[@willie9397]

Lets not forget Trouba and Niskanen were also contributors in the drama of Sids career, accidentally of course🤔

[@jocefvr]

concussions are no joke. Glad he came out on top!

[@alexwhyte2818]

Don Cherry was an absolute sociopath 😂

[@ovenproofgaming8183]

No doubt he had a concussion. Wasn’t the absence so long because technically he has a fractured neck?

[@michaelshields6326]

Yeah he found out later that he had fractures in his neck that had healed when he got a scan done. It makes why he took so long to come back make more sense. He's had multiple concussions since then and the most time he missed was 6 games at the start of 16/17 (which of course also cost him a shot at the Hart/Art Ross/Ted Lindsay once again). He also had a concussion in the playoffs that year against Washington and only missed one game. Now obviously not all concussions are exactly the same but it would seem odd that he was able to come back so quickly twice in the same year when the first concussion almost cost him his career. The undiagnosed neck injury explains a lot of the problems he dealt with.

[@mr.brenman2132]

​@@michaelshields6326No he didn't have fractures. He had a soft tissue injury in his neck and inflamed disks.

[@ericwatson3490]

Problem he had was his obsession with diving

[@duffman95]

It's going to be a bittersweet day when crosby does hang up the skates, especially for those of us who grew up watching him all his career. man, it's sad to even think about.

[@noelledelrizzo1910]

First

[@gregmarkiewicz601]

Won't see me shed a tear when he retires.

[@YeYe-db6ur]

Nobody knows you

[@gregmarkiewicz601]

@@YeYe-db6ur you'd be surprised

[@mattwinchester983]

I’m sure you’ve accomplished as much as Sid the Kid has! Go touch grass you sad, sad individual

[@Aikisbest]

Indeed, I am not saying he deserved the hit, but he certainly is not one to look up to.

[@vicckyyy2001]

One of the best players to ever play, THAT doesn't ask for your opinion.