The Jekyll and Hyde season for the Pittsburgh Penguins as a team continues. The latest chapter in Sidney Crosby’s illustrious career continues to see him elevate his team beyond their flaws. The Penguins defeated the Bruins last night 6-5 on a third period Sidney Crosby goal last night after blowing a 5-2 lead.
It was a great result for the Penguins after a disappointing loss to the Capitals the other night. The Bruins are among the top tier of teams in the league despite the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. Truth be told, I thought the Bruins would be where the Penguins are, scraping for a playoff spot because of those personnel losses. It hasn’t been the case at all. The Penguins victory last night was quite the accomplishment this year.
Pens led for 44:50 -- most against Bruins all season.
— Kevin Paul Dupont (@GlobeKPD) January 5, 2024
The last time Sid, Geno and Letang all dressed for a win @ Boston was Nov. 24, 2014 (3-2 OT). Sid opened the scoring early in the first, then he and Letang drew assists on 2 Malkin goals: the first tying it midway through second period and the last winning it at 0:32 v. Rask.
— Bob Grove (@bobgrove91) January 4, 2024
I’m going to throw out some Sidney Crosby stats in a second, but first I want to highlight a play that sums the captain up. One that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet. Sid beat out an icing at the end of the game and kept the clock running and a faceoff away from the Penguins zone. If you were watching the game you knew that even ten extra seconds in the zone for the Bruins and you could have easily had a tying goal for the home team. Sid is gassed and he fights through it to nullify the icing call. A huge moment considering if the ref boned him or he came up short he was going to have to stay on the ice for a defensive zone face off with nothing left in the tank. He of course won the battle and gave the team some much needed time out of their own end
Sidney Crosby had a goal, 2 assists, and kept the Penguins afloat…again, but this was probably his most important play.
— Winter Tweets by Jim (@SportsingJim) January 5, 2024
End of the game, end of his shift, and he hustles to wave off the icing effectively bleeding 20 of the final 30 seconds. pic.twitter.com/a97yTWgnz0
Leading by example as he does night in and night out.
Some Sid stats
Tonight marked Sid's 173rd game recording 3+ points, 70th on the road. When he gets 3+ points in a game, Pens 161-10-2.
— Bob Grove (@bobgrove91) January 5, 2024
Sid tonight named the No. 1 star for the 172nd time in his regular season career, 79th time on the road.
— Bob Grove (@bobgrove91) January 5, 2024
Tonight marked Sid's 14th three-point game v. Bruins and sixth in Boston.
— Bob Grove (@bobgrove91) January 5, 2024
Tonight also marked the 27th time a Crosby GWG was the last goal of the game, breaking a tie.
— Bob Grove (@bobgrove91) January 5, 2024
Sid is the 24th player in NHL history to record 90 career GWG in the regular season.
— Bob Grove (@bobgrove91) January 5, 2024
Kris Letang has had himself quite a run of play as well. He added another three assists tonight and earned himself a very specific record
Most assists - Defenceman in a span of 3 road games of a season:
— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) January 5, 2024
11- Kris Letang (Via 3 in tonight's 6-5 @penguins win @ BOS)
10- Borje Salming (1977-78)
9- Bobby Orr (1969-70)
9- Orr (1972-73)
9- Orr (1973-74)
9- Paul Coffey (1984-85)
9- Salming (1984-85)
9- Roman Josi (2021-22) pic.twitter.com/7MjJSUSTR3
Even with results like the Capitals game the Penguins have been on a hot stretch. In fact, the hottest stretch in the league
Since December 12, no team in the league has more wins (8) and points (17) than Pittsburgh 😎 pic.twitter.com/wv2XuAqecW
— Penguins PR (@PenguinsPR) January 5, 2024
This is great. This is just what they needed to do. It was imperative. Because, it goes to show just how hard it is in this league to make up point. Even with this stretch of play the Penguins technically still sit in 7th place in the division. The good news is that even with them being in 7th they are only four points back of second place in the division. Things are tight in the playoff race. They need to keep pace. They have lately.
Up next for the Penguins is a visit from the Buffalo Sabres. It is one of those games you have to find a way to two points. The last time these teams played in Buffalo the Penguins earned zero. Sidney Crosby is going to do his best to get the two point, who will follow his lead tomorrow?
Thanks for reading!