Sidney Crosby achieved two milestones over the weekend. And he was only interested in discussing one of them.
Ensuring he would average a point per game for the 21st different season in his 21-year career? Meh. He didn’t have much to say about that. If anything, it might have reminded the 38-year-old superstar he is middle aged.
“It’s a stat,” Crosby said, curtly, after Sunday’s 5-2 home win against the Florida Panthers.
But surpassing one of his heroes, former Detroit Red Wings great Steve Yzerman, for seventh place on the NHL’s career scoring list? That reminded him of loving the sport as a child.
“Growing up, watching him and admiring his game and just his character, you don’t ever think that far ahead or think you’re going to be in the same company,” Crosby said. “That one was pretty special.
“I loved the way he played both sides of the puck. He was a guy who always scored big goals in the playoffs and things like that. I liked the way he approached his leadership and things like that. There was a lot to like about him.”
Crosby moved past Yzerman on Saturday during a 9-4 home victory against the Panthers. He recorded an assist on another milestone marker, a goal that was the 1,400th career point of longtime teammate and friend Evgeni Malkin.
“It’s an amazing number, for sure,” Malkin said Saturday. “It’s one team, it’s huge. I love to play here. I love to play with Sid, (defensemen Kris Letang, Erik Karlsson).
“We have a great team right now, you know?”
There weren’t great expectations for the 2025-26 Penguins entering the season. Most external projections suggested they would miss the postseason for fourth consecutive year and be candidates to get a top selection in the NHL Draft lottery.
But with four games remaining in the regular season, they have a firm grip on second place on the Metropolitan Division and could secure a playoff berth this week.
This success has happened despite Crosby and the 39-year-old Malkin having each missed substantial time due to injuries.
Crosby missed at least 11 games due to a suspected right leg injury he suffered while skating for Canada during the Olympics in February.
(He was scratched for an additional game in late March for an undisclosed ailment).
As for Malkin, a left shoulder injury sidelined him for 15 games throughout January and February. Then a different undisclosed impairment cost him four games in March.
(Impaired judgement led to him receiving a five-game suspension for slashing Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin’s head last month as well.)
“When you do not play all the games, have a couple injuries, it’s tough,” Malkin said. “But I’m glad (with) how the team play right now, and I’m glad we’re fighting for playoffs, because the last three years, we know we’re not happy.
“Playoffs, it’s the best time in the year. I hope I stay healthy.”
Playing professional hockey in your late 30s isn’t traditionally associated with being hale and hearty. And trying to do it against the unforgiving rigors of an 82-game schedule that is compressed due to the NHL’s break for the Olympics makes it all the more challenging for graybeards like Crosby and Malkin.
Crosby previously dealt with those compacted schedules when the NHL participated in the Olympics in 2010 and 2014.
But he was 22 and 26, respectively, back then.
“It’s been so long, I don’t remember,” Crosby joked. “But I think it’s one of those things everybody is dealing with the scheduled being condensed as it is, with the games being as big and intense as they are. It feels like the intensity and everything is just ratcheted up here the last couple of weeks.
“That’s a lot of fun to be a part of.”
Malkin’s been having fun in a new role this season, skating as a right winger after predominantly working as a center throughout his 20-year career.
“I love playing center all my life, and now I love playing wing,” Malkin said. “And it’s crazy. Maybe I’m (an) important player, I can play both ways. Talk to (Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas about) what he loves.
“Coach (Dan Muse) say, play right wing. It’s working, you know, and we see what’s going on, because I feel better every game. I understand what the role is, (how to) play wing in (defensive) zone and offensive zone. And I play comfortable. I love it.”
Malkin, a pending unrestricted free agent would love to do it in a Penguins jersey next season. He reiterated that stance after recording a hat trick in Saturday’s game.
Dubas has stated discussions with Malkin about a new deal will be tabled until after this season.
“I mean, if I say I deserve it (a new contract), but he say no, what (do we) talk about?” Malkin quipped. “Again, we see how playoffs work, how I play in playoffs, how I play last five games. We see what’s going on in summer.
“But now, it’s the most fun time in the year. I enjoy it. … I score hat trick, give me confidence. But every goal helps me (with another) contract, trust me.”
Even as they approach 40, Crosby and Malkin can still be trusted to guide the Penguins as they approach a return to the playoffs.
“Still getting the opportunity to play in big roles, that doesn’t always happen as you get older,” Crosby said. “There’s responsibility that comes with that and trust and belief. Then, just having passion for the game.
“We still love it after all these years and want to contribute and want to win. That’s the best way we can try to contribute.”
Note: The Penguins had a scheduled day off Monday.