The Crosby Count

The Pens snapped a four-game losing streak last night when they beat the Islanders 3-2.

More importantly, Crosby extended his point streak to 18 with an assist on George Laraque's game winner.

Next up are the Rangers, again, for the second time in just over a week. But this time the Kid and crew are at home. Here's hoping for an offensive explosion.

CROSBY COUNT
Games played: 19
Goals: 10
Assists: 18
Total points: 28


BREAKFAST: Cheerios and a banana

The Crosby Count

Coming off a pretty hairy road trip last week, the Penguins were at home last night, hosting the Flyers, who didn't win a game against the Pens last year.

The Flyers flipped that losing streak on its head, beating the Penguins 3-1. The Pittsburgh offense seemed a bit skunky, but the biggest problem was goaltending, as Dany Sabourin let in two goals on the first three shots of the game.

Suddenly, it becomes clear that whatever you might say about the Pens offensive production, goaltending is the real problem for Pittsburgh this year. I wonder if The Sieve has something he can add to my analysis on this.

Crosby maintained his streak, though, with an assist on the Pens' lone goal. He's got points in every game this season, except the opener on October 5.

CROSBY COUNT
Games played: 15
Goals: 9
Assists: 14
Total points: 23


LUNCH: A big bowl of chicken noodle soup with about a thousand crackers

Canucks sucking: discuss

I'm just not even sure what to think about the Vancouver Canucks. I can say I've been watching more Flames games and Eastern teams, because I just can't bring myself to tune in to a Canucks game.

But other people are talking about why they think the Canucks are off to such a bad start.

• Canucks Hockey Blog: "It was a mess, and unfortunately for Bieksa, Salo and the Canucks' 'D,' it was a bloody mess."
  
• Canucks and Beyond: "It’s hard to really work up a good head of insults about my least favorite team in the NHL [Colorado Avalanche], when my Canucks are currently flailing around like a beached whale searching for dinner."
  
• False Gods: "This team is in disarray both on and off the ice."

What is really going to hurt the Canucks is the loss of Kevin Bieksa to a "lacerated calf muscle," although some are saying it's his Achilles tendon that got sliced.

Ouch.

EDIT: The Canucks put together some offense against the Avalanche on Saturday night - six points between the Bobsy Twins - but I've gotta wonder if they are going to trade for a defensemen. Soon. With Bieksa and Salo both out, they are looking weak back there.

The Crosby Count

The Penguins lost to the New York Islanders tonight and it was another low scoring affair: 3-2 in favour of the Isles.

Crosby picked up an assist, which isn't too bad when your team only scores two goals.

CROSBY COUNT
Games played: 13
Goals: 7
Assists: 13
Total points: 20


LUNCH: burger and fries in the pub, watching the last regular season CFL games

The Crosby Count

I think maybe it's begun. I think Sid the Kid has settled in to his new job as captain of the Penguins, and is about to take off in the game of goals and assists.

Unless by saying that, I'm jinxing him. Hope not.

Stay tuned to Giga Byte Me for daily updates on Sid's prolific output.

CROSBY COUNT
Games played: 12
Goals: 7
Assists: 12
Total points: 19

LUNCH: Chicken noodle soup and a ham sandwich

The Crosby Count

Oh, Sidney! You pot a goal and assist on three others in a game in which your team scores 4 goals.

That's more like it.

Bring on Colorado!

CROSBY COUNT
Games played: 11
Goals: 5
Assists: 12
Total points: 17


LUNCH: I'm on the road, so I had to visit the Queen Mum for pad thai; the best in Canada

The Crosby Count

Did you see the Canadiens play the Penguins? The Habs were up 3-0 and let the Pens come back on them.

Then we're treated to a whale of a shootout. It took 8 rounds before anyone scored. Some great saves by Dany Sabourin and Carey Price. Price, in particular, looked awesome. He simply would not move first. Crosby and Malkin ended up not knowing what to do with the puck in the shootout because Price simply outwaited them. That kid is the real deal.


CROSBY COUNT
Games played: 10
Goals: 4
Assists: 9
Total points: 13


LUNCH: Steak sandwich, nice and rare