Pittsburgh Review

Sidney Crosby, renowned for his decorated NHL career, recently reached a notable milestone by securing his 20th point-per-game season. This achievement, marked during a game in Buffalo, puts Crosby ahead of Wayne Gretzky's record of 19 such seasons, making him the first in NHL history to reach this feat in his 20-year career.

Teammates have expressed their admiration for Crosby's consistency over the years. Rickard Rakell described the accomplishment as "insane," reflecting on the difficulty of maintaining such high performance for two decades. Colby Armstrong emphasized the significance of consistency in professional hockey, saying, "To be as great as he's been through his career for as long as he has is the ultimate hockey thing that everyone aspires to."

Crosby, who has been with the league since its post-lockout era, initially recorded 102 points in 81 games as a rookie. His former linemate, Chris Kunitz, spoke on Crosby's ability to recover and excel beyond injuries, noting, "The longevity of seeing somebody produce at that level for multiple generations... it’s special."

Other former teammates have highlighted Crosby's passion and work ethic as key factors in his success. Ryan Malone reminisced on Crosby's early days, pointing out that his ambition and drive are truly inspiring. Bryan Trottier remarked on Crosby's love for hockey, attributing it to the joy found in his game.

Crosby's dedication to his craft extends beyond the rink. Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan and teammate Bryan Rust spoke about the rigorous routine and discipline Crosby maintains to prepare for each game and season. "A lot of it's tedious... he just does it," Sullivan stated, acknowledging Crosby's commitment to the demanding aspects of his training.

Rakell and Armstrong shared their experiences of Crosby's high expectations on the ice, emphasizing that he brings out the best in his teammates. Rakell noted that Crosby's expectations "to score every shift, or do something" set a high standard for performance among his peers.

The camaraderie amongst Crosby and his teammates is further strengthened by their shared experiences on and off the ice. Marc-Andre Fleury fondly remembered the bond formed through both intense competition and light-hearted moments.

Crosby's ability to maintain his high standards while also fostering a positive and motivating environment has not only defined his own career but also influenced the culture of his teams. Malone concluded by highlighting Crosby's impact, both as a player and as an ambassador for hockey, saying, "We loved the game, and the game loved us back."