PITTSBURGH | Mike Matheson wore the Penguins’ uniform for two seasons. In the city of steel, the Montreal defender met the man behind the number 87, Sidney Crosby.
Crosby needs no introduction. He is one of hockey’s living legends with three Stanley Cup conquests, 500+ goals (546), nearly 1,000 assists (943) and 1,500 points (1,489). All this in 1174 games.
Coming out of a morning practice session last Thursday a few hours before the Rangers’ visit to the Bell Center, Matheson spoke with obvious delight about his former Penguins captain.
There are teammates who shape a player’s career. This is the case with Crosby with Matheson. “The biggest thing is the ice hockey player,” said the number 8 of the CH. Sid does amazing things on the ice. He’s still the hardest working guy and the one who scores the big goal. He’s a special leader. »
“But there’s also the off-ice aspects, more than that,” he continued. Sid is a great unifier. He always invites everyone, all the time. He doesn’t want us to stay in groups of two or three. With him everyone is together. We often met the whole team in the restaurant. For me that makes a difference. »
Diligent worker
Crosby not only has unique talents and leadership qualities. He is also a hard worker. Also at 35 and in his 18th season.
“There is no optional training for Crosby,” Matheson replied, laughing. It’s also the culture he wants to bring to the group. You have no choice but to follow him in that direction. »
A short text
Traded from the Penguins to the Habs in a pact for Jeff Petry and Ryan Poehling last July, Matheson first experienced the feel of a trade in September 2020. It was then that he traded from the Panthers to the Penguins in exchange for winger Patric Hornqvist, a popular player in the Pittsburgh locker room.
“The second I was traded from the Panthers to the Penguins, I got a text from Sidney. He had texted me that I could ask him questions about the city of Pittsburgh and that he was there to help me. After a month with the penguins, I felt like I had known him for years. Sid remains a super good guy. »
rivals and teammates
David Savard also once shared a dressing room with the Cole Harbor phenom in Nova Scotia. It was in spring 2015 for the World Championships in Prague in the Czech Republic. Canada had won gold. Crosby had a goal and an assist in the 6-1 final win over Russia.
“I had discovered the other side of the hockey player,” Savard said. He is a very good guy, friendly and respectful. If you play him again, you’ll respect him even more. »
“I really liked him as captain, even if it was only for a few days with Team Canada,” continued the big-bearded defenseman. He always brought all the boys together. When we organized excursions, it was always the whole team. I haven’t been with him long, but just enough to know him. I have no doubt that he is an exceptional captain. »
On the way to another 100 point season
Sidney Crosby has won the Art-Ross Trophy twice: 2006-2007 and 2013-2014. Despite passing the crown of scoring champion to youngsters like Connor McDavid almost a decade ago, Crosby is still a loyal customer of the scoresheet.
Before the Canadian’s visit to Pittsburgh, Crosby led the Penguins with 80 points (29 goals, 51 assists) in 66 games. He distanced Evgeni Malkin by ten points.
Always dominant
With 80 points in 66 games, the number 87 is destined for a season of 99 points. He is therefore knocking on the door of the hundred, a feat he has accomplished six times but has eluded him since 2018-2019.
“Sid has been in the NHL for 15 or 16 years. [18] and he’s dominated all along, said David Savard. It’s not that old, but it still has some signs of wear. He also had a difficult life, he played in years when it was a bit more difficult.
“We sometimes say he’s whiny, but if you eat 22 punches in a row you can end up losing patience,” the defense attorney continued. He’s an exceptional player, probably the best of his generation. »
A tough competitor
During his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Savard often had to fight Crosby in the corner of the rink in hopes of snatching the puck from him.
“It’s not easy in puck protection,” he replied. It’s extremely difficult to counter him as he just doesn’t have the physical strength. He also has his vision of the game, he can always hurt you with a pass from the backhand side or from his good side. You always have to anticipate well against him. »
Joel Edmundson, another defense attorney, has a smile on his face as he describes his confrontations with “Sid the Kid.”
“It’s exciting to play against him,” said the number 44. I would say that all players like it. We grew up with Sid. I dreamed of one day playing against the best. And Sid has been one of the best in a long time. He’s not the biggest, the biggest, or the fastest, but he always wants to work harder than his rival. It is the sign of a great one. »