“He was flopping”: Don Cherry defended his tough stance on Sidney Crosby by pointing to Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux

Sidney Crosby has faced scrutiny for excessive embellishment, notably from Don Cherry, who aimed to help Crosby avoid referees ignoring legitimate infractions. Despite initial criticisms from Cherry and others, Crosby matured into a respected player, achieving significant milestones in his career.

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Throughout his career, Sidney Crosby has faced intense scrutiny, and few analysts have been as vocal about it as former NHL coach and commentator Don Cherry. During the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Cherry publicly criticized Crosby for what he saw as excessive embellishment, drawing comparisons to past hockey greats like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.

Don Cherry explained why he called out Sidney Crosby for diving and arguing with referees

Sidney Crosby was leading the Pittsburgh Penguins through a deep playoff run that eventually landed them in the Stanley Cup Finals against the Detroit Red Wings. However, some believed he was making the most of attempted hits, trying to draw penalties in crucial moments. Don Cherry was among the critics, calling out the young star on Hockey Night in Canada and questioning his tactics.

As speculation grew about a possible feud between Cherry and Crosby, the longtime analyst clarified his stance on June 2, 2008. He insisted his critique was not personal but rather an attempt to help Crosby develop his game.

  
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“If you ask Gretzky, I gave it to Gretzky pretty good because he was flopping around,” Cherry said. “I gave it to Mario, and I tried to tell Crosby what’s going on.”

Cherry further explained that Lemieux had a history of diving and trying to sell calls, which eventually led referees to ignore legitimate infractions against him. “Mario was diving all over the place, and he embarrassed the referees and, after a while, they wouldn’t call anything against him … that’s all I tried to do with Crosby,” Cherry said. “I tried to teach him that and not to yap at the referee, and he doesn’t do it anymore. But it’s too late.”

Years later, in 2012, Crosby and the Penguins again faced backlash for their on-ice behavior. New York Rangers coach John Tortorella and Philadelphia Flyers assistant Craig Berube criticized Crosby for excessive complaints to officials. Cherry stood by his original comments, saying on Hockey Night in Canada: “A long time ago when Crosby was coming out, I tried to warn him ‘quit diving, quit whining,’ I was the worst guy in the world. All I was trying to do was help him.”

Despite the criticism, Crosby matured into one of the most respected figures in hockey. He has since solidified his legacy, recently achieving the milestone of averaging at least a point per game for 20 consecutive NHL seasons—an achievement that cements his place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.