Winner: Sidney Crosby Had a Historic Night
The standout star of the night was undoubtedly the Penguins’ captain, Sidney Crosby. His remarkable performance, featuring two goals and an assist, wasn’t just impressive on its own merits; it also propelled him past Paul Coffey to tie with former teammate Mark Recchi for 13th place on the NHL’s all-time points list, amassing 1,533 points in his illustrious career.
But Crosby’s contributions extended beyond just the scoreboard. I’d argue that his milestone achievement electrified the Penguins, igniting a spark that ultimately clinched their victory. It was a night of near-misses and triumphs for Crosby.
Fun fact: Sidney Crosby has recorded 62 points (23G-39A) in 47
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 14, 2023
career games against the Montreal Canadiens. pic.twitter.com/eBJtpOfxTJ
He was tantalizingly close to scoring a hat trick at the end of the 2nd period, only to be thwarted by the clock. And while his goal in the shootout doesn’t count towards official stats, it further underscored his pivotal role in the game’s outcome.
Reflecting on Crosby’s career, it’s been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride for fans. Watching him consistently break records and set new benchmarks in the NHL is a testament to his enduring excellence. He hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down, much to the chagrin of his critics.
As a fan, witnessing Crosby’s journey and his ability to make history season after season has been an extraordinary experience. Cry more, haters.