Sidney Crosby's Handshake Controversy: A Closer Look at the Controversial Incident

By Arnab Mondal

Modified Feb 11, 2023 18:20 GMT

The Sidney Crosby handshake controversy is an incident that occurred in 2009 during the NHL playoffs. After the Pittsburgh Penguins Game 7 win against the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals, Sidney Crosby, the Penguins captain, was criticized for not shaking hands with the members of the opposing team.

In the NHL, it's a tradition for players to shake hands after a playoff series as a sign of respect and sportsmanship. Sidney Crosby shook hands with several Detroit Red Wings players after their game, but Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom, alternate captain Kris Draper, and several other significant players had already gone to the locker room. Despite this, Crosby was praised by Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock and others for his leadership skills.

According to Kris Draper, the act of shaking hands is a way to put the series behind and move forward.

Nick was waiting and waiting, and Crosby didn't come over to shake his hand. That's ridiculous, especially as their captain, and make sure you write that I said that!

There was speculation about why Crosby did not shake hands with the Detroit Red Wings, with some suggesting that he was upset about a hit he received earlier in the game or that he was frustrated with the physical nature of the series.

Sidney Crosby's Glorious NHL Career

Sidney Crosby was born on August 7th, 1987, in Cole Harbor, Nova Scotia, Canada. He started playing hockey at a young age and soon became recognized as a talented player. In the 2005 NHL entry draft, he was chosen first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins and has played his entire career with the Penguins.

Crosby has been named the NHL's most valuable player on two occasions (2007 and 2014) and has won the Art Ross Trophy (awarded to the league's leading scorer) four times. He has also been selected to the NHL All-Star Game ten times and has been named to the first All-Star Team twice.

One of Crosby's most notable accomplishments is leading the Penguins to three Stanley Cup championships (in 2009, 2016, and 2017), and being named the Most Valuable Player of the playoffs in 2016. Despite facing injury problems throughout his career, Crosby has consistently maintained a high level of performance. He has repeatedly been the leading scorer in the league and has earned numerous awards and recognition.

Sidney Crosby has been named to the NHL's first All-Star Team multiple times and has represented Canada in international competitions, including the Olympics, where he won two gold medals and several World Championships.