Crosby to Miss Start of Season

Virtual Sid forced to sit out

That's right folks, you heard it here first. Odd Man Rush with hard breaking nooz.

Sidney Crosby the most heralded young player to enter the NHL in years will miss the beginning of the Video Game Hockey season. Sid's virtual self won't be allowed to play... initially.

Due to licensing restrictions of the NHL Players Association, players can only appear in NHL-licensed video games after having played in a regular season NHL game. Gamers hoping to take control of Crosby to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins back to the promised land will have to be a bit more patient, as 2K Games is planning another roster update with Crosby and the rest of the rookie class after the start of the NHL regular season on October 5.

The ever burgeoning on-line community of hockey players won't have any problem putting Sid into their games once the update is available but for those not on-line this could be a bummer. Sid might have to sit out the whole season.

Anyone interested in a comprehensive breakdown of the 2K6 and NHL06 games just released go >>> here.

Meanwhile back here in the so-called real world... Sid has been dazzling.

Crosby finished the Penguins' exhibition tournament with two goals and four assists in four games. That was hardly indicative. He was the best player on the ice during several junctures.

He might be the best skater on the team. Several times he stunned linemates with passes they could have used but for their shock. True to his reputation, he was tough to get off the puck and he won nearly all his faceoffs. There have been sporadic periods of ineffectiveness, but the bottom line is everything you have heard about Sidney Crosby has been on display this week.

Unlike Virtual Sid, Real Sid will suit up for the start of the season.