Two Senators pick on Penguins’ Sidney Crosby

Ottawa Senators Marc Methot and Mike Hoffman used a hockey stick and water bottle to agitate Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby during Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals Tuesday night.

What’s the best way to throw the opposing team’s star player off his game? Pick on him, of course. Bully him. Do whatever it takes to create a distraction. Big or small. Individual or coordinated with a teammate.

The tactic has been known to work. At the very least, it creates additional moments for fans to enjoy.

Take, for example, the extra-curricular efforts of Marc Methot and Mike Hoffman. The Senators teammates two-timed Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby during Game 6 Tuesday night.

As Crosby stood along the boards in front of the Senators’ bench Tuesday night, Methot skated over and poked Crosby twice, once in the chest and once in the gut. Meanwhile, Hoffman was sitting on the bench squirting water on Crosby.

Funny.

Maybe Hoffman was hoping the excess water would freeze and hinder the superstar’s movement. Certainly, the tomfoolery didn’t play a major role in the Senators earning a 2-1, Game 6 victory. But it sure made for a cool moment.

Backed by goalie Craig Anderson’s 45 saves Tuesday at Canadian Tire Centre, the Senators rebounded from a 7-0, Game 5 thrashing to force Thursday’s deciding Game 7 at Pittsburgh. The winner advances to the Stanley Cup Final and will face the Nashville Predators. Game 1 is Monday night.

Considered one of the best players in the world, Crosby has endured a rough-and-tumble postseason. There was the concussion he sustained during the series against the Washington Capitals. There also has been the collection of creative stick-work Crosby receives when attempting to fight for position in front of the net or skate through the neutral zone.

Named the 2016 Conn Smythe Trophy winner for being the NHL’s playoff MVP, Crosby has fought through the pranks designed to limit his production and collected seven goal among 19 points in 17 games this spring.

One of the more interesting sideshows of the series has been the skirmishes Crosby and Kyle Turris engage in after face-offs. The puck drops and no matter which side wins the draw, the opposing centers follow with a few slashes to each other’s shins.

Next: Ottawa Senators rebound to top Penguins, force Game 7

Thursday’s Game 7 will certainly feature additional shenanigans from both the Senators and Penguins. You can be certain Crosby will continue to be the No. 1 target for anyone wearing a Senators jersey. Even if the player is sitting on the bench.