It's called "marketing". Win another cup and move on.

Outside of hockey fans how many people do you really think know who Pavel Datsyuk is? No knock against any of Detroit players but when it comes to Crosby, love him or hate him it's a straight fact that he's the "cash cow" of NHL. (You could probably throw in A.O there too)

I see the "Me play hockey GOOD" marketing ploy by the NHL to sell Datsyuk as it's pitchman didn't work out so well!

It's all Sid's fault. If only he had performed like Alexander Daigle, none of this would be happening.

honestly, i just watch hockey to see mike babcock coach. what a dick.

Yes because I am so sure Crosby is the one behind all the media attention.

Boy their coach is complaining, GM is complaining.....the Wings seem just a tad bit nervous.

GO PENS!

No problem Mike....we'll see how Cindy does against the Wings D (ask Patrick and Jonathan how they fared). GO WINGS!!!!

BabCOCK needs to shut his yap. Seriously, if I was the coach of the Wings, I would not be complaining. They have a lot to be proud of, and should focus on that. Sid is not responsible for the media attention. Get over it. Move on.

Somebody forgot to tell Cindy that your supposed to not shave during the playoffs... OH wait.. you say that IS his playoff beard?

QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 11:11 AM ET  05.30 by jjo

Yes because I am so sure Crosby is the one behind all the media attention. Boy their coach is complaining, GM is complaining.....the Wings seem just a tad bit nervous. GO PENS!

Nervous??????, 6th Cup appearence since 95' and that's the best analogy you could come up with!

Well when did Cindy Crosby win a cup Mister K??? Oh that would be never.

Babcock isn't complaining about Syd...His beef is with the NHL

Nothing that the rest of us hockey people haven't seen for a long while. If anyone, the league should be hyping Malkin! After all, he's the one up for MVP but that's right, he's not Canadian.

QUOTE(#13):

Originally posted 11:43 AM ET  05.30 by thegregh1

Babcock isn't complaining about Syd...His beef is with the NHL

Great point, and absolutely correct!

I'm not going to disagree with Babcock either! But Syd is an excellent choice for the face of the NHL - he plays well, he speaks well, he says the right things, respects the game, and is on a successful team. That is what the NHL wants; that is what the NHL gets.

But those that follow hockey KNOW that Detroit is DAMN solid at every position and has multiple all-star caliber players at the various positions, and the system they employ is successul every year. It should be a great series, but the Pens will HAVE TO be on top of their game to beat the Wings.

Syd's "facial hair" is pathetic though. Thank GOD his game is better than his facial hair!!!

Nice little child molestor mustache that Sid is rockin.

its true nbc and vs. love to over promote crosby

but not as bad as say spike tv and the ufc over hyping a match

QUOTE(#16):

Originally posted 11:49 AM ET  05.30 by Xtremeness88

Nice little child molestor mustache that Sid is rockin.

sersouly w t f

Imagime that...the NHL is using a well spoken young talented player to promote the game in the U.S. and Canada. Maybe they should use the half english speaking Igor Ovechkin to sell tickets. That's a brilliant marketing idea.

no different than the Magic leading hte series and LeBron being plastered everywhere. You wouldn't even no Orlando was in the game. And this is a team with a dunk champion, Superman.

The NHL needs to understand marketing. Not just the marketers and execs, but the league. They had one of the greatest matchups in history with Ovie and Sid the Kid and it goes hardly noticed.

Nobody will care about your Stanley Cup if you don't promote. And hard to pronouce Euro stars don't sell.