Heading into the game with Colorado Sidney Crosby hadn’t looked like himself for a handful of games. Playing against Nathan MacKinnon seems like it was the perfect way to snap him back into top form. Crosby was sensational from the beginning of the game and before you knew it he had registered four points on the night. The Penguins built a 4-0 lead on the back of Sidney Crosby’s superb play. Usually a sign of impending victory…
This is Sid's 40th career regular season game with at least 4 points, and 18 of them have come on the road -- including 5 of the last 6. Pens have lost only once when he has 4+ points -- 2/19/07 @ NYI (0-4-4, 5-6).
— Bob Grove (@bobgrove91) March 24, 2024
The team ended up blowing the lead and losing in overtime, but their season is fake at this point so who cares?
Crosby now has 73 points in 70 games and is solidly back on track to record 82 points or more on the season. He needs nine more in 12 games to secure his point per game pace. Listen, this is the only thing of significance left to talk about this season. They aren’t making the playoffs and they aren’t making a legit run at the lottery. They might not even have a first round pick. They are in purgatory. The standings are whatever. The Emil Bemstrom goal watch isn’t as exciting as Sid racking up points.
Part of what makes Crosby so great are his fundamentals. Things most hockey players are capable of, but cannot or will not do it at the frequency of a player like Sid. Here he is hounding Mikko Rantanen, one of the best wingers in the league, and taking it to push the play the other way. Bryan Rust makes a great play to finish the play off.
Ridiculous backcheck and takeaway from Sidney Crosby to send Bryan Rust on the rush that led to his goal. pic.twitter.com/ZIkSqviZBC
— Danny Shirey (@DannyShireyPGH) March 24, 2024
Crosby’s goal was from the vintage collection. Classic #SidDownLow. It is almost like if you put him in a position on the power play to do these things they may have scored more goals this year than they have. When you combine his bulldog checking with his deft hands you have a secret weapon to deploy down low on the power play. This particular goal wasn’t on the power play, but it isn’t like he wouldn’t have these looks.
Having a day in Denver.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 24, 2024
The final frame starts NOW! pic.twitter.com/HrhHjxVIox
Another great play from yesterday was Erik Karlsson tracking down an in flight Nathan MacKinnon and not only stopping him, but stealing the puck to maintain full possession and then transition things back up the ice. Some are saying the best defensive play someone has made on MacKinnon in a situation like that this year
This was one of the best 1-on-1 defensive efforts against MacKinnon when 29 had a full head of steam and leverage all season. https://t.co/KF163if8la
— Corey Masisak (@cmasisak22) March 24, 2024
Wish I had a clip of it, couldn’t find it.
Karlsson did have a bad turnover that led to the Avs second goal, but again, these games are pretty much fake so no need to get bent out of shape anymore. Just enjoy the good plays.
Congratulations are in order for Nathan MacKinnon. He now has 122 points which means he has broken the all-time single season point total for the Avs franchise passing the legend Joe Sakic. Quite the accomplishment.
We will have a Jake Guentzel sighting in Pittsburgh on Tuesday. His Carolina Hurricanes are in town. Guentzel has 12 points in eight games with the Hurricanes to pair nicely with his 63.32 xGF%.
Thanks for reading!