I have no idea what Ron Wilson has planned for Sidney Crosby tonight, but a quick scan of the Maple Leafs' roster shows very few matchup options for the Toronto coach.
Here's my proposal: Have Colby Armstrong play the role Finnish superpest Esa Tikkanen made famous against Wayne Gretzky. One-time teammates on the Edmonton Oilers, Tikkanen made a career out of shadowing The Great One after the trade to Los Angeles. The job involves following a superstar around the ice with little regard for the puck, constantly yapping in his ear and administering the occasional hook or sharp elbow when needed. Based on his play this year, Armstrong has all the necessary skills to harass his old buddy Sid.
Something has got to be done to throw the Penguins' star off his game. With 33 points during his current 16-game scoring streak, "The Kid" is playing at a different level than the rest of the league.
The only bad thing you can say about Crosby at the moment is he's sporting what can best be described as a bad teenage moustache. Mirtle reports from Pittsburgh that it looks even worse in person. I'm guessing this debacle can be blamed on athlete superstition - Sid was so hot during Movember that he's not picking up a razor until the point streak comes to an end. Until then, the face of the NHL appears to be struggling through puberty.
The links:
Mirtle talks to the Leafs about trying to contain Crosby. They don't sound very optimistic.
Mirtle also spoke with Pascal Dupuis and Chris Kunitz about riding shotgun with the best player on the planet.
Toronto Star reporter Kevin McGran heaps praise on Sid.
Star columnist Damien Cox takes to his blog to say snapshot conclusions on the Leafs are useless.
Toronto Sun columnist Rob Longley gives Crosby the feature treatment.
Michael Langlois at Vintage Leaf Memories suggests Colby Armstrong is the agitator the Leafs have been waiting for.
Our good friend Pierre LeBrun and his colleague Scott Burnside at ESPN.com hand out first quarter grades. The Leafs might not want to show this report card to mom and dad.
Alec Brownscombe at Maple Leafs Hot Stove gives you a Marlies update.
World Junior news: Leafs prospect Sondre Olden is off to Norway camp, while fellow Toronto draft pick Jesse Blacker has been added to the Canadian roster.