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Kevin Hayes explains why too much time off affects him and Sidney Crosby
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Penguins veteran Kevin Hayes revealed that as players get older, they begin to struggle with too much time off, which is something Sidney Crosby deals with.
Sidney Crosby has recently shown a curious pattern this season: his elite scoring dips when the Penguins have three or more days off.
In games with zero, one, or two days' rest, he's scored 24 goals in 36 games, pacing for a career-high 55-goal season. But on three or more days' rest, he has just one point this season.
The problem with having too much time off revealed
Penguins veteran Kevin Hayes recently revealed that as players get older, they often struggle with too much time off, a challenge Crosby now faces.
"Too much time off isn't ideal when you start to get older," said Penguins teammate Kevin Hayes, a 12-year NHL veteran. "I don't begin to know the way Sid thinks on the ice or the way he prepares himself for games. He's one of a kind. But you like to be in more of a rhythm when you get older."
- Kevin Hayes
- Kevin Hayes
When he was younger, long breaks didn't affect him, but now excessive rest can throw off his rhythm. That's part of why Crosby played in the World Championships last May: he didn't want another long layoff before the 2025-26 season.
Over the past three seasons, Crosby has played 25 games on three or more days' rest, scoring only three goals.
The numbers suggest he performs best with a consistent game-every-other-day schedule, which suits his disciplined, regimented approach.
Historically, longer rest hasn't been an issue. Crosby's career average is 1.25 points per game, and on three-plus days' rest, it's 1.24 points per game, essentially no difference.
Why tonight could be a challenge for Sidney Crosby
In his later years, however, these games have become tougher. Thursday's game against the New Jersey Devils at PPG Paints Arena marks his first in three days, which is something to keep an eye on.
The good news is that Crosby, 38, is on pace for 48 goals this season, the second-highest of his career. Even during December's slump, he remained a positive force.
With his track record, he can likely absorb the occasional off night from too much rest while keeping the Penguins competitive.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 8 | 78 ANSWERS Kevin Hayes explains why too much time off affects him and Sidney Crosby Do you believe veteran players play better when they have less time off? | ||
| Yes | 59 | 75.6 % |
| No | 19 | 24.4 % |
| List of polls | ||