Pittsburgh Review

Mike Sullivan described Sidney Crosby's impact on fans at this year's Kraft Hockeyville game in northern Ontario, comparing it to the Beatles. The Penguins defeated the Ottawa Senators 5-2 in a preseason game at Sudbury Community Arena, hosted by Elliot Lake.

"I think it's so impressive to watch him interact with kids when he comes to these environments," said Sullivan about Crosby, who walked a red carpet into the rink for morning skate along with his teammates, taking photos and signing autographs. Crosby also spent time chatting with kids on the bench during a Q&A session.

"He understands the influence that he can have and what it means to kids in environments like this, and he takes the time to make sure that he gives his time to all of these opportunities… he just represents everything that's right about hockey," Sullivan added.

Crosby led a Pittsburgh roster filled with players Sullivan hoped would excite local kids. "I think it's our responsibility to represent the league and Pittsburgh Penguins in events like this, to support small communities," said Sullivan. "These are the very people that support us, and so this is our way, I think, of giving back."

Michael Bunting from Scarborough, Ontario also participated in the Q&A. He asked some kids if they had ever been to an NHL game; "they said no, so it's obviously the first for them, and that's really special for them… hopefully we can make some memories for them."

Later that evening, every time Crosby got near the puck, the crowd cheered. Crosby and Evgeni Malkin combined for all five of Pittsburgh’s goals. Malkin scored a hat trick while Crosby tallied twice.

Afterward, Crosby expressed gratitude for the reception: "You look at different experiences over the years, and I don’t think that stuff ever gets old when you’re in positions like this," he said. "It’s a preseason game; you haven’t played in five months... It’s something that sticks with you."

The lineup Pittsburgh dressed included Anthony Beauvillier – Sidney Crosby – Bryan Rust; Blake Lizotte – Evgeni Malkin – Rickard Rakell; Michael Bunting – Kevin Hayes – Cody Glass; Jonathan Gruden – Sam Poulin – Boko Imama; Matt Grzelcyk – Kris Letang; Marcus Pettersson – Harrison Brunicke; Owen Pickering – Dan Renouf. Tristan Jarry played half of the game before Filip Larsson took over.

Lizotte didn’t play after getting hit in the face with a puck on the bench. “Scary thing... That was a tough one,” Sullivan commented.

Tonight marked most players' preseason debut. With Ottawa fielding a strong roster as well, things were competitive and chippy.

Pittsburgh started slow but went into intermission down by only one goal after Crosby redirected a feed from Kris Letang. Malkin evened things up in the second period with a power-play goal followed by another late-period goal.

In the final frame, Crosby converted another power-play goal similar to his first one from Rust's feed. Sullivan found it encouraging seeing new assistant coach David Quinn's efforts pay off: “I think it's something to build on... It should provide some affirmation.”

Malkin finished off scoring with an empty-netter. The Penguins return Monday against Detroit after Saturday's postponed game due to travel issues.