In the quiet atmosphere of the Penguins’ locker room, Evgeni Malkin, at 39 years old, shares reflections on his teammate Sidney Crosby, a hockey icon. As he prepares for an interview, Malkin highlights the magnitude of Crosby’s figure.
Malkin’s resume is impressive, with the Calder Trophy, the Hart Trophy, and three Stanley Cups, but Crosby’s influence transcends sports. Kris Letang, another key member of the team, describes him as the perfect ambassador for the sport. Crosby’s future, in his twenty-first season in the NHL, is a topic of debate. Despite his age, his performance is notable, with 1,687 points in 1,352 games. Last season, he led the Penguins with 91 points in 80 games. His teammates recognize him as the most complete player for the sixth consecutive season. Connor McDavid, star of the Edmonton Oilers, admires Crosby, recognizing his consistency and play. Crosby has maintained his level on the international stage, including his likely participation as captain in the upcoming Olympic Games. However, the outlook for the Penguins is different. After 16 consecutive years in the playoffs, the team is looking for a rebuild led by general manager Kyle Dubas. Coach Dan Muse, with a young team, aims to turn the Penguins into a consistent contender. Crosby’s performance in the 4 Nations tournament, where he tied with McDavid, demonstrates his relevance. Although some suggest that his continued presence on the team could be an obstacle, Crosby remains focused. Crosby has shown unwavering loyalty to Pittsburgh, especially with Malkin and Letang. Malkin, who is in the final year of his contract, hopes to stay in Pittsburgh. Bryan Rust, Crosby’s teammate, also wishes to remain on the team, although he has no trade protection. Crosby’s connection with Pittsburgh goes beyond hockey. His commitment to the community, including visits to children’s hospitals and the “Little Penguins Learn to Play” program, has strengthened the ties between the player and the city. Crosby values the possibility of playing his entire career on a single team. His main focus is to give his best in each season, driven by passion and the pursuit of excellence. Malkin highlights Crosby’s desire to prove his ability and win another Cup. The Penguins’ last victory was eight years ago, and for a legend like Crosby, time is a relevant factor.“Do you see the safety here? It’s Sidney Crosby’s safety”.
Evgeni Malkin
