24. The Hat Trick Battle
Crosby and Ovechkin entered the NHL as rookies together and have always been put head-to-head against one another. The competition has hockey fans from all over the league and the rivalry’s best moment was a battle of hat tricks. Both Crosby and Ovechkin notched a hat trick in their head-to-head battle on May 4, 2009, Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals. The Capitals won the game, but the Pens won the series.
23. Hart From the Start
Crosby kicked off his career with an early Hart Trophy. The captain received the Hart Trophy, and MVP title, in his second year in the NHL, the same year he put up his career-high 120 points. Crosby would win the Hart Trophy a second time following the 2013-14 season.
22. A Decorated Sophomore Season
The Hart Trophy isn’t the only trophy the 19-year-old took home in his second year in the NHL. Crosby posted 120 points (36 G, 84 A) and was rewarded as so. That year, Crosby became the youngest player to win the Art Ross and lead the league in points.He also took home the Pearson (now Ted Lindsay) Trophy for his outstanding performance.
21. The Golden Goal
How could anyone forget the golden goal? Canadians haven’t. In the 2010 Winter Olympics, Crosby scored the overtime winner to top the United States and give Canada their first goal medal win on home ice. The golden goal was heard around the world and has become one of Crosby’s, and Canada’s, prized memories.
20. The Triple Gold Club
Crosby is a member of an exclusive club of hockey players. The criteria? Win a Stanley Cup, a World Championship gold medal and an Olympic gold medal.