Crosby responds to ‘ridiculous’ report of rift with Lemieux

Sidney Crosby addressed reports that he and Mario Lemieux have had a falling out, calling it ridiculous and saying he feels stupid even commenting on it. (Courtesy of Pens TV)

Sidney Crosby found himself in the middle of some controversy Wednesday when a report surfaced of a “big falling out” between himself and Penguins co-owner Mario Lemieux.

The Penguin let his play do the talking by scoring two goals in a 4-3 OT win over the St. Louis Blues and matching a season high with nine shots on goal.

Crosby responded to the report following the game.

Former Penguins player and current NHL analyst Matthew Barnaby said on Sirius XM Wednesday that the Penguins’ struggles this season led to a rift between Crosby and Lemieux.

“But the more and more I looked into it, the more I found out, people with the same sentiments that there’s a big falling out between Mario and Crosby. Now whether that pushes them to move him at some point? Whether he wants to move? That I don’t know,” Barnaby said on the satellite radio station.

LISTEN: Matthew Barnaby stands by his report of rift between Crosby, Lemieux

“I’ve heard over coaching. I’ve heard also after the [2014] playoffs when they lost out,” Barnaby added on Sirius. “Maybe the personnel isn’t right.”

Lemieux commented on the report via the Penguins’ official Twitter account, calling it “silly.”

Crosby now has five goals and 13 points in 21 games this season.

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