Honestly can you explain this, other than playing for Pittsburgh and Canada?
I believe I wrote this somewhere else, but everybody in Canada knows somebody in the NHL. If you are third or fourth generation you have family in the NHL at some point. Crosby is right there with Orr and Howe in NGOAT (Nicest Guy) stories. He was nationally famous from the time he was 12. And had a target on his back from an earlier age. Every time I hear about him at public events they talk of other guys leaving early, demanding free stuff, being dicks in multiple ways. Crosby stories are boringly, blandly the same. He stayed late, signed everything, was shy but approachable. Stories from players say he works harder than anybody, will take on any role the team needs. Stories from players say he is tougher than his aw shucks persona. They almost universally consider him the best in the world. The worst thing I have heard is some older players saying he should retire because of his concussion problems.
Firstly, let me make clear I was referring to his actions on the ice, not off- Crosby has had to be Mr. Canada in a professional capacity since he was 12 freaking years old and has done it without controversy. He's had to do it while lacking Howe's presence, Orr's charm, or Gretzky's grace. He's fulfilled the role through humbleness, determination, and a keen awareness of his burden.
I recently had an email exchange with a Canadian friend of mine about what makes Crosby so elite- he doesn't always stand out with a particular dominant skill- he's not the fastest, doesn't have the best shot, isn't a pure playmaker (although he's as good as anyone in the game). His best traits (his backhand, the strength of his skating, and his IQ) are things that can go under appreciated by the average fan. I think Crosby has had to work harder than any of the other historically good players, and that may explain why he sometimes acts in ways I find douchey.
And I'm not even saying my characterization is fair. It's just how I see it as someone who comes from an old Massachusetts hockey family.
1. He whines all over the place- he whines at refs, he whines at opposing players in a faux-tough manner, and he whines to his teammates about things that go on; I find it a bit disconcerting from a captain. It's not his fault- he lacks that particular Canadian stoicism that Yzermans and Bergerons and Toews have. (In this regard, perhaps it's not surprising that Mario was his mentor/influence)
2. He's kind of a sneaky punk. He'll spear you in the nuts, he'll take advantage of a tied up opponent, he'll pull a hit and run in a crowd, etc. And he does it with either a smirk or a whine on his puss.
3&4 (dead on Reggie). Pittsburgh and Canada. Penguins took the Bruins colors, sucked and/or tanked into getting two generational talents (who share an appearance of petulance that is dislikable), and happily rostered human scum like Ulf and Matt Cooke. I know how Steelers fans view the Patriots, and they're not wrong. I think the inverse is true in hockey.
And Canada? Well, you'll get yours.