Sidney Crosby, Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang were named among the top players in four different categories of the annual National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA) Player Poll, according to an April 17 announcement. The poll included responses from 348 players across all 32 teams.
The NHLPA Player Poll allows current players to recognize their peers for a variety of hockey-related achievements. Captain Sidney Crosby was chosen as the leading candidate for “Which player would make a great coach once they retire?”, receiving more than twice as many votes (10.3%) as any other player listed. Crosby also finished third in the category “Which forward could also excel as a defenseman?” with 3.2% of votes, marking his first appearance in either category.
Erik Karlsson received recognition by finishing third in voting for “What defenseman could also excel as a forward?”, earning 4.3% of votes from his fellow players. Defenseman Kris Letang placed third in the category “Which player has the most intense training regimen?” with 4% of ballots cast.
Additionally, the rivalry between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers was voted as the third-best team rivalry in hockey by NHL players, collecting 9.3% of total votes.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are known for having Hall of Fame figures among their players, coaches and executives according to their official website. The team has made numerous playoff appearances and won several division titles over its history according to their official website. As part of Pittsburgh’s sports culture, the Penguins maintain strong community ties and fan traditions according to their official website.
Home games are played at PPG Paints Arena, located downtown according to their official website. Fenway Sports Group owns the franchise and manages its business operations according to their official website.
