Logan Couture says everyone cheats on faceoffs

Logan Couture is trying to backtrack somewhat after making controversial comments that were viewed as bitterness coming from a sore loser.

Following the San Jose Sharks’ 2-1 overtime loss in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday, Couture vented that Sidney Crosby cheats on faceoffs. Crosby of course won a faceoff that led to the winning goal. Now Couture says he and pretty much everyone else tries to cheat on faceoffs.

“Everyone cheats on faceoffs,” Couture said Friday. “I cheat, Jumbo cheats. That’s how you try to win draws. He’s one of the best at it. He wins a lot of faceoffs.”

Crosby responded and said he doesn’t think he does anything different from what others do.

“I think we are all doing the same thing in the faceoff circle,” Crosby said.

Crosby has enjoyed extra success on faceoffs against the Sharks. He has won 23 of 40 (65 percent) through two games, which is up from his regular season rate.

Couture is at least trying to minimize the damage of his original comments.