We know the story. Sidney Crosby grew up a Montreal Canadiens fan. A heir to his father Troy, who was selected in the 12th round by CH in 1984.
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In this first of two games on a father-son trip, Crosby delivered a stunning game with two goals, an assist and another shootout goal. He made dad and the other fathers of the Penguins players happy.
“It’s always a special tradition, traveling with the fathers,” Crosby said. I always love this time of year. But this year it's special with a game in Montreal and another later this week in Toronto. We're playing against two historic franchises. I followed the Canadians growing up as they were the team that drafted my father. »
With three points, Crosby increased his personal record to 31 points (17 goals, 14 assists) in 29 games this season. Even though number 87 is 36 years old, she is not slowing down at all.
Before this meeting at the Bell Center began, Crosby was ranked 15th among all-time leading scorers in NHL history. In a single evening he jumped two places, ahead of Paul Coffey (1531 points) and catching Mark Recchi in 13th place (1533 points).
In another era, Crosby knew Recchi as a teammate with the Penguins and later as an assistant coach.
“This happens to me a little more often now (I don’t feel like the guy we used to call Sid the Kid),” he said. But it goes by quickly. I'm happy to meet Recks (Recchi). I played with him in Pittsburgh, but I also remember watching him play during his time here (with the Canadiens). He was a great player, he was really consistent. It's an honor to see my name with his. »
keep pace
In 1,218 games, Crosby scored 567 goals and added 966 assists for 1,533 points.
When a colleague asked him the secret to maintaining such a high pace, the 87-year-old talked about work.
Photo Getty Images via AFP
“I understand how hard you have to work to maintain a good level,” he explained. Every year the players get better, faster and more talented. But I have to follow. »
Still one of the best
In the Habs locker room, David Savard is one of the people who knows Crosby best. He met him several times during his time with the Metropolitan Division rival Columbus Blue Jackets.
58 and 87 had some altercations in the Penguins' 4-3 shootout win.
“He’s still one of the best players in the world,” Savard said. There is no doubt about that. He has been exceptional since his NHL debut. He produces, even when there's nothing in front of him, he finds ways to see good reading. »
According to Savard, Crosby has such great game intelligence that he goes beyond time.
“It's his style of play that allows him to maintain such a good rhythm,” he said. He is extremely intelligent with the puck. He doesn't get stuck and he doesn't turn around. He makes his teammates better. That's why he still plays at such a high level. He reads the game very well and doesn't make many mistakes. »