Anointed at 16 as the next “Great One” by the Great One himself, Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby has had a year and change to put up or shut up.

Last season, the Rimouski Oceanic forward led the league in almost every offensive category and won most of the appropriate awards, including scoring title, Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year.

This year, in just 10 games, Crosby has scored seven goals and added 20 assists.

“We have a job, our line, to produce offensively,” said Crosby, who is in Lewiston for a pair of games against the Maineiacs beginning tonight at the Colisee. “It doesn’t matter how you put the puck in the net, or who does it, it’s a matter of if we do it.”

Rimouski currently sits third overall in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League standings, and trail league-leading Chicoutimi in their division.

The Oceanic have dropped three of their last five games (two in overtime).

“I think every team goes through period or games where they don’t play well,” said Crosby. “It’s tough sometimes. Obviously we are an offensive team, and sometimes we haven’t shown up.”

What has shown up to most of Rimouski’s games this season is the hype associated with the 17-year-old phenom. And like a pro, Crosby has taken it all in stride.

“I don’t know whether it’s worse than last year or not,” said Crosby. “It’s hard to say. To start the season it hasn’t been too bad and I think we have all handled it well. As far as playing, my first priority is hockey, and that is what I focus on going to the rink. After games I usually stick around and will sign some autographs. It’s fun to be around the fans, and I really don’t mind it.”

Crosby has missed four games due to an injury sustained in a knee-to-knee hit by Halifax’s Frederick Cabana. Cabana received an eight-game suspension for the hit.

“It was tough watching my team play without me,” said Crosby. “It’s hard not to be able to skate through normal practice and in games. But now I am back playing, I feel great and am ready to keep going.”

Faceoff for both games is 7 p.m. at the Colisee.