For Crosby, it's not if, but when

0 Comments | USA TODAY, May, 2008 | by Kevin Allen

Although the Pittsburgh Penguins believed on Sidney Crosby's draft day that he would give them a chance to compete for a Stanley Cup, they weren't expecting it before he was old enough to legally drink from it.

At 20, Crosby has a chance to become the youngest captain to lead an NHL team to a championship. The record is held by Wayne Gretzky (with the Edmonton Oilers in 1984) and Teeder Kennedy (Toronto Maple Leafs, 1948), who won Stanley Cups at 23years, 4months.

"Everyone knew how good (Crosby) is offensively, but now he is proving that he can backcheck and be strong down low in our zone," linemate Marian Hossa said. "That's making him an even better player."

Gretzky needed four seasons to reach the Finals, and Mario Lemieux didn't get there until...