Sidney Crosby, Flyers Victory Against Penguins Hurts Hockey Fantasy Players

By Brittney R. Villalva, Christian Post Reporter Monday, March 19, 2012

Despite the anticipated success of Sidney Crosby's return to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, the center was shutdown during Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers which could mean bad news for hockey fantasy players.

Sidney Crosby's return sparked a buzz amongst the fantasy hockey world as fantasy leagues headed into season playoffs. While Crosby met with decent success during his first two comeback games, first against the New York Rangers on Thursday, and Saturday against the New Jersey Devils, Pittsburgh lost 3-2 to the Flyers on Sunday.

Since his return Crosby has scored five assists, which could help many fantasy players who have patiently awaited Crosby's return to a fairly idle season. However, the center has failed to score leaving many team owners in high anticipation.

Crosby was expected to get his first goal during Sunday's game. "Surprisingly, Crosby doesn't have a goal in his last nine games, matching the longest drought of his career. With the success he's enjoyed in Philly over the years, look for that to change Sunday afternoon," the site reported.

Those predictions proved false after the team's loss, as Crosby left without even so much as an assist to his name.

However, despite his scoring drought, Crosby could still very well rack up the points. "Crosby's 3-point night gave him 5 points in two games since returning, and 17 on the year. That puts him on pace for 34 points in this injury-shortened campaign. If that doesn't blow your mind, consider: Crosby is averaging 1.7 points per game this season, far and away the best in the NHL," Yahoo Sports reported.

Fantasy players can also look forward to Crosby improving points for his fellow teammates. "He has helped to turn the ever-dangerous linemate Matt Cooke into sniper material. Cooke has four goals in two games since becoming Crosby's linemate," Yahoo fantasy stated.

Crosby has also shown returning chemistry with alternate captain, Evengi Malkin.