The best thing Sidney Crosby could do for himself and the game of hockey is walk away from the game now and not come back.  He has nothing to prove.  The game won't be as good without him and just doesn't deserve him.

If a player can speed down the ice at 35 miles per hour, collect a pass from behind, pass the puck to themselves from between their legs, not stop skating and then fire the puck under a cross bar all in the space of maybe 1.5 seconds, surely a player is well aware that they are about to cross check someone in the face.  Split second decisions are made it both cases.  Crosby was gooned, no question, happened so fast is not an excuse, a choice was made, predisposed to helping the team even if it means something a little bit brutal.