To set the record straight, I’m not a Crosby sympathizer. Yes, I do see the petulant looks at the refs and constant complaining about calls, or missed calls depending on the situation.
All that said, I have a real problem with the comments made by Kris Draper regarding the alleged snub of Nic Lidstom. To be fair, I think Draper is a decent guy and was genuinely offended by Crosby’s lack of recognition of tradition when shaking hands, but how old is Draper? 38. He was drafted in 1989 by the Winnipeg Jets and has been in Detroit since 1993.
This means Mr. Draper has won 4 Stanley Cups and was been part of the most successful franchise in hockey during those years. To put it in perspective, Sidney Crosby was 2 when Draper was drafted.
So tell me how you expect a 21 year old kid, who just won his first Stanley Cup (in unlikely fashion after being down 2-0 in the series) to observe “the code” of respect? Do you think Draper ever felt the pressure from the age of 13 (or younger) to be the next Great One? Was Draper expected to win every game he played in or be deemed a failure? Lets be honest, Draper is a character guy and an important piece to a winning team but not THE piece.
The real problem is making a 19 year old kid the captain based solely on his talent. In an effort to market Crosby they put the whole franchise on his shoulders (not to mention being the face of the NHL) and then a veteran of 4 Stanley Cups question his character because he was excited to win? My question is what did you expect? I can’t speak for everyone but it’s safe to say you’re more mature at 38 then 21.
The real tragedy is people are talking about it. Myself included. The final was great hockey and amazing drama, but sadly, it’s being overshadowed by comments that were unfair to a young man who just felt the weight of the world lift off his shoulders. Well, overshadowed by that and the whole Phoenix situation but that’s another topic altogether…