Sidney Crosby

"Sid the Kid" redirects here. For the hip hop singer and producer formerly known as Syd tha Kyd, seeSyd (singer).For the animated children's series on PBS, seeSid the Science Kid.

Sidney Patrick CrosbyOCONS(born August 7, 1987) is a Canadian professionalice hockeycentreandcaptainof thePittsburgh Penguinsof theNational Hockey League(NHL). Nicknamed "Sid the Kid"and dubbed"The Next One",he was selectedfirst overallby the Penguins in the2005 NHL entry draft.Born and raised inHalifax,Crosby was considered one of the most lauded prospects in ice hockey history and is widely regarded as one of the greatest ice hockey players of all time.

Sidney Crosby OCONS
Crosby with thePittsburgh Penguinsin 2019
Born	(1987-08-07)August 7, 1987 Halifax, Nova Scotia,Canada
Height	5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight	200 lb (91 kg; 14 st 4 lb)
Position	Centre
Shoots	Left
NHLteam	Pittsburgh Penguins
National team	Canada
NHL draft	1st overall,2005 Pittsburgh Penguins
Playing career	2005–present

During his two-yearmajor juniorcareer with theRimouski Océanic,he earned many awards and led his club to the2005 Memorial Cupfinal. Océanic and theQuebec Major Junior Hockey Leagueretired Crosby's jersey number 87 in 2019, and the QMJHL began presenting their Rookie of the Year award as the “Sidney Crosby Trophy” in 2025. Crosby debuted in the NHL during the2005–06 season,recording 102pointsand finishing as runner-up for theCalder Memorial Trophyas the NHL Rookie of the Year. At 18 years and 253 days, he is the youngest player to date to reach 100 points in an NHL season. By hissecond season,he led the NHL with 120 points to capture theArt Ross Trophy,becoming the youngest player and the only teenager to win a scoring title in anymajor North American sports league.That same season, Crosby won theHart Memorial Trophyas the league'smost valuable player(MVP) and theLester B. Pearson Awardfor most outstanding player as judged by his peers. He started the2007–08 seasonwith the team's captaincy and subsequently led them to the2008 Stanley Cup Finals,where they were defeated by theDetroit Red Wingsin six games. The Penguins returned to the Finals against Detroit thefollowing yearand won in seven games; Crosby became the youngest captain in NHL history to win theStanley Cup.

In2009–10,he received theMark Messier Leadership Awardand scored 51goals,winning theMaurice Richard Trophyas the NHL's leading goal scorer. In early2011,Crosby sustained aconcussionthat left him sidelined for the rest of the season and for most of the2011–12 campaign.In2014,Crosby again won the Hart Memorial Trophy as well as his second Art Ross Trophy (104 points) and his thirdTed Lindsay Award.Crosby led Pittsburgh to Stanley Cup championships in2016and2017,becoming the third player to win theConn Smythe Trophy(playoff MVP) in consecutive years. In 2017, he won his second Richard Trophy and was named one of the100 Greatest NHL Playersin history.

Internationally, Crosby has representedCanadaon numerous occasions. He won gold at the2005 World Junior Championships,and was later named to Team Canada for the2010 Winter OlympicsinVancouver.Playing against theUnited Statesin the gold medal game, he scored thegame-winning goalinovertime.Crosby captained Team Canada at the2014 Winter Olympics,winning his second consecutive Olympic gold medal. A year later, he led his country to gold in theWorld ChampionshipinPrague,thus becoming a member of theTriple Gold Cluband the only player in the club to have captained all three winning teams. In 2016, Crosby captained Canada to gold in theWorld Cup of Hockeyand was elected MVP by a unanimous vote.

Early life

A recreation of Crosby's childhood dryer that was behind the net, used as shooting target practice, atPPG Paints Arena

Crosby was born in theGrace Maternity HospitalinHalifax, Nova Scotia,on August 7, 1987,to Troy and Trina (née Forbes) Crosby. Crosby'sjersey number(87) and 2007 contract signing ($8.7 million per year) reflect his birthdate (8/7/87).Crosby grew up in nearbyCole Harbourand has a younger sister named Taylor.His father Troy was agoaltenderwho played for theVerdun Junior Canadiensin theQuebec Major Junior Hockey League(QMJHL). He helped the team win the 1985President's Cupwhich lead them to the1985 Memorial Cup.Troy was drafted 240th overall by theMontreal Canadiensin1984,but never played at the NHL level.Growing up, Crosby admiredSteve Yzermanand, like his father, was a Canadiens fan.Crosby began playing hockey by himself in his basement at the age of two, shooting pucks in a net that had the family dryer behind it, leading to a longstanding misconception that he was actually practising with the dryer;he learned to skate at age three.

From age 12 to 15, Crosby attendedAstral Drive Junior High School.He was a straight-A student and, according to the vice-principal, "an amazing role model, who was really kind to students in the learning centre and to special needs kids". At age 15, Crosby transferred toShattuck-Saint Mary'sinFaribault, Minnesotato play with the school's hockey program. While playing for theRimouski Océanicof the QMJHL, Crosby went toHarrison Trimble High SchoolinMoncton,New Brunswick,where he graduated in 2005.

Playing career

Minor hockey

Early in hisminor hockeyyears, Crosby began attracting media attention for his play and gave his first newspaper interview at age seven.When Crosby was 13, Nova Scotia's Minor Hockey Council refused to allow him to play midget, a level of minor hockey designated for 15- to 17-year-olds. His family sued but lost.The following year, he entered the midget level with the triple-A Dartmouth Subways and went on to score a combined 217 regular season and playoff points, leading Dartmouth to a second-place finish at the2002 Air Canada Cup.He was named the MVP and Top Scorer awards at the national tournament at the tournament banquet held after the preliminary round and he finished the tournament with 24 points (11 goals and 13 assists) in 7 games.Crosby was called up as a 14-year-old to play two games with theMaritime Junior A Hockey League'sTruro Bearcatsthat season.Crosby had been drafted by the Bearcats in the 2001 MJAHL Draft as a 13-year-old.

During his midget season, Crosby appeared on theCBC'sHockey Day in Canadatelecast.He has recalled numerous instances in which opposing players intentionally attempted to injure him, as well as constant verbal abuse from parents on and off the ice. Parents taunted and threatened Crosby so harshly, he took to not wearing his jersey between tournament games while he waited to play so that he would not be recognized.Due to this treatment, he elected to play for the American hockey program atShattuck-Saint Mary's Boarding School, Minnesotafor the 2002–03 hockey season.In 57 games with the Sabres, he recorded 72 goals and 162 points, leading the team to a U18 AAA national championship.

Junior career

Rimouski Océanic (2003–2005)

Crosby was selected first overall in the 2003 Midget Draft by theRimouski Océanicof theQuebec Major Junior Hockey League(QMJHL). In his first exhibition game, he scored eight points, leading his teammates to nickname him "Darryl" (in reference toDarryl Sittler's ten-point NHL game in 1976).In his first regular season game in the QMJHL, he scored one goal and added two assists.He was named QMJHL Player of the Week for two consecutive weeks at the start of the season and won the honour four more times as the season progressed. He was named QMJHL Player of the Month andCanadian Hockey League(CHL) Player of the Week three times each.Crosby finished his rookie QMJHL season with 54 goals and 81 assists over 59 games to capture theJean Béliveau Trophyas the league's leading point-scorer. He was further recognized with the RDS/JVC Trophy (overall rookie of the year) andMichel Brière Memorial Trophy(most valuable player), becoming the first QMJHL player to win all three major awards at once.Rounding out Crosby's accolades for the 2003–04 regular season were QMJHL All-Rookie and first All-Star team honours, as well asOffensive Rookie,Offensive PlayerandPersonality of the YearAwards. As a team, the Océanic led the Eastern Division with 34 wins and 76 points. After receiving a first-round bye in the 2003 QMJHL playoffs, they defeated theShawinigan Cataractesin the quarterfinals, then were eliminated by theMoncton Wildcatsin the semifinals. Crosby recorded 16 points (7 goals and 9 assists) over 9 playoff games.

During the off-season, theWorld Hockey Association,a major professional league proposed to rival the NHL, held an entry draft on July 17, 2004. Holding the first overall selection, Toronto chose Crosby. The following month, it was reported that Crosby turned down a US$7.5 million contract over three years to play for Hamilton. Crosby told reporters that while "it took a lot to say no to that much money", he "work[ed] hard most of his life to play in the NHL". The contract would have paid him $2.5 million annually and an additional $2 million payout regardless of whether the WHA was realized as a legitimate league or not. However, it was not clarified how Hamilton could have signed Crosby, as Toronto held his WHA playing rights. Nevertheless, the WHA never materialized.

Returning to the Océanic for the2004–05 season,Crosby continued dominating the league, leading the league with 66 goals, 102 assists and 168 points over 62 games to capture his second consecutive Beliveau Trophy. Joining Crosby on Rimouski's top line were wingersDany RoussinandMarc-Antoine Pouliot,who finished second and third in league-scoring with 116 and 114 points respectively. In addition to his scoring title, Crosby was once again awarded Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player and Personality of the Year, while repeating as a QMJHL First All-Star. The Océanic finished the regular season with thebest record in the league,registering 45 wins and 98 points, including a league record-setting 28-game undefeated streak. They went on to capture thePresident's Cupas QMJHL playoff champions, defeating theHalifax Mooseheadsin the finals. Crosby led the playoffs with 31 points (14 goals and 17 assists) over 13 games, earning him theGuy Lafleur Trophyas postseason MVP. With their QMJHL championship, the Océanic qualified for the2005 Memorial Cup,Canada's national major junior tournament. Meeting theLondon Knightsin the final, the Océanic were shut-out 4–0. Despite the loss, Crosby was named to the Tournament All-Star team and captured theEd Chynoweth Trophyas the competition's leading scorer with 11 points (6 goals and 5 assists) over 5 games. Knights forwardCorey Perrywas awarded theStafford Smythe Memorial Trophyas the MVP. Soon after, he attended the NHL prospect combine in preparation for the2005 NHL entry draft.

The Rimouski Océanicretiredjersey number 87 in Crosby's honor in September 2019, and the QMJHL also retired the number for all of its teams.

Pittsburgh Penguins (2005–present)

Rise to superstardom (2005–2007)

Crosby in November 2006, after being designated an alternate captain

Entering the 2005 NHL entry draft, Crosby was listed first overall in theNHL Central Scouting Bureauand International Scouting Services' respective rankings of prospects.He also won theMike Bossy Trophyas the QMJHL's best prospect. Crosby was selected first overall in the draft by thePittsburgh Penguinson July 30, 2005. Due to thelabour lockoutthat suspended the entire2004–05 NHL season,positioning for the 2005 draft was conducted via a weighted lottery based on each team's playoff appearances and draft lottery victories in the last four years. This lottery system led to the draft being popularly referred to as the "Sidney Crosby Lottery" or the "Sidney Crosby Sweepstakes".

"Sid the Kid", a nickname given to him by the media early in his career, made his NHL debut on October 5, 2005, against theNew Jersey Devils,and registered an assist on the team's first goal of the season, scored byMark Recchiin a 5–1 loss.He scored his first NHL goal in the Penguins' home opener on October 8 against goaltenderHannu Toivonenof theBoston Bruins.Despite having registered two assists for a three-point night, the Penguins were defeated 7–6 inovertime.Crosby began his rookie season playing alongsideHall of FamerMario Lemieux,though Lemieux was forced to retire due to anirregular heartbeatafter having played just 26 games into the season.Near the midway point of the season, Penguins head coachEd Olczykwas fired and replaced byMichel Therrienon December 15, 2005. The following day, Therrien designated Crosby as an alternate captain for the Penguins. The move drew criticism from some hockey pundits, including commentatorDon Cherry,who claimed that Crosby did not have the experience for the position. Cherry said, "An 18-year-old kid says he's going to give us ideas. What, from the Quebec League, he's going to give them ideas? Come on. That's ridiculous."Although hopes were high in Pittsburgh for the club to succeed, largely in part to the beginning of Crosby's NHL career and bolstered by the acquisitions ofSergei Gonchar,Žigmund Pálffy,and Mark Recchi, the Penguins still finished with the worst record in theEastern Conference.Nevertheless, Crosby's first NHL campaign was a personal success as he established franchise records in assists (63) and points (102) for a rookie, both of which were previously held by Mario Lemieux. He also scored 39 goals and became the youngest player in NHL history to score 100 points in a single season, and only the seventh rookie ever to hit the benchmark.Overall, Crosby finished sixth in the NHL scoring race and seventh in the NHL in assists. Among Canadian NHL players, he trailed onlyJoe ThorntonandDany Heatley.Throughout the season, Crosby had battled withWashington Capitalswinger and2004first-overall pickAlexander Ovechkinfor the rookie scoring lead. He finished second to Ovechkin's 106 points and also lost to the Capitals forward for theCalder Memorial Trophyas NHL rookie of the year.It marked the start of a rivalry that would help "define the league" for over a decade.Throughout his first season, Crosby was accused by opposing players and coaches of taking dives and complaining to officials, which was typically attributed to his youth.He became the first rookie to earn 100 penalty minutes and 100 points in the same season, which magnified his reputation for complaining to NHL officials.Hockey analystKelly Hrudeycompared Crosby toWayne Gretzky,who had a similar reputation as a "whiner" in his youth, and suggested that as Crosby matured, he would mellow out and his reputation would fade.

Crosby in April 2007 during the2007 Stanley Cup playoffs

In his second NHL season, Crosby built on his rookie success. On October 28, 2006, Crosby scored his first NHLhat-trickin an 8–2 victory over thePhiladelphia Flyers.His success against the Flyers continued as just over six weeks later, on December 13, he recorded the first six-point game of his career (one goal and five assists).The multi-point effort vaulted Crosby into the NHL scoring lead, which he would retain for the remainder of the season. He finished the2006–07with 36 goals and 84 assists for 120 points in 79 games to become the first teenager to lead the NHL in scoring since Wayne Gretzky in1980.Being only 19 years old at the time, he became the youngest player in NHL history to win theArt Ross Trophyand the youngest scoring champion in any major North American professional sport. Crosby's second NHL season also saw significant improvements for the Penguins franchise as a whole, as the emergence of rookie forwards, eventual Calder Trophy-winnerEvgeni Malkinand runner-upJordan Staalcomplemented the club's offence. As a result, the Penguins jumped from last place in the Eastern Conference the previous season to fifth for the club's first playoff appearance since2001.Playing theOttawa Senatorsin the opening round, Crosby scored a goal in hisStanley Cup playoffdebut in a 6–3 loss.He finished the series with five points in all five games as the Penguins were ousted in a 4–1 by the eventualStanley Cuprunner-up.

Beginning of Penguins captaincy, runner–up and first Stanley Cup title (2007–2009)

Crosby was named Pittsburgh'steam captainon May 31, 2007, making him (at 19 years, 9 months, and 24 days) the youngest team captain in NHL history.During the season, the Penguins offered him the captaincy, but he turned it down. In the press conference naming him the team captain, he explained:

"I just thought it wasn't right for me. As a team, we were playing great and you don't want to disrupt things like that. Individually, I was not ready to accept that responsibility quite yet. Going through the playoffs and having that experience has probably given me more confidence. I understand there is going to be a lot more responsibility on my shoulders with this, but it's something I'm ready for, I feel very comfortable with it and I'm just excited to get things going."

At the NHL's annual awards show two weeks later in June 2007, Crosby completed a rare off-season "hat-trick", winning theHart Memorial Trophyand theLester B. Pearson Awardin addition to his previously clinched Art Ross Trophy.He became the youngest player in NHL history to win the Lester B. Pearson,and only the second youngest player ever to win the Hart (after Gretzky). He became the youngest player ever to be named to theNHL's first All-Star team.

With Crosby's initial three-year, entry-level contract set to expire at the end of the following season, the Penguins signed him to a five-year, $43.5 million contract extension on July 10, 2007, ensuring his stay with the Penguins through the 2012–13 season.Midway through thesubsequent season,Crosby recorded aGordie Howe hat-trickon December 20 in a game against theBoston Bruins.His first assist came 55 seconds into the first period. At 8:26 of the same period, Crosby scored to give the Penguins a 2–0 lead. Then, five minutes and nine seconds into the second frame, Crosby fought ex-Penguin defencemanAndrew Ferenceto complete the hat-trick. This was Crosby's first NHL fight.In the NHL's firstWinter Classic(with a record crowd of 71,217 fans in attendance), Crosby scored the shootout winner in heavy snowfall to defeat theBuffalo Sabres.However, two and a half weeks later, on January 18, 2008, Crosby suffered a high ankle sprain crashing leg-first into the boards in a game against theTampa Bay Lightning.As a result, he missed the2008 All-Star Game,to which he was named a starter.After missing 21 games, he returned on March 4 against the Tampa Bay Lightning and earned an assist on aMax Talbotgoal.However, two games after his return, he felt his ankle was not up to shape and decided that he needed more time for it to heal.Crosby consequently sat out of the Penguins' next seven games and returned on March 27, 2008, to help the Penguins defeat theNew York Islanders3–1.Despite his injury-shortened campaign, Crosby still managed 72 points (24 goals, 48 assists) in just 53 games.Crosby's absence from the Penguins' line-up served as a stepping stone for teammateEvgeni Malkin,who, now in his second season, was developing into a superstar in his own right. Picking up the offensive slack, Malkin finished second in league scoring toWashington CapitalswingerAlexander Ovechkinand was also a Hart Memorial Trophy nominee as MVP honours also went to Ovechkin.In addition to Crosby's return to the line-up late in the season, the Penguins acquired star wingerMarián Hossafrom theAtlanta Thrashersat the trade deadline, placing the club in a strong position to make a deep playoff run. Pittsburgh finished the season asAtlantic Divisionchampions and just two points shy of the first-seededMontreal Canadiens.In a rematch of the previous year's opening round, the Penguins began the2008 playoffsfacing theOttawa Senators,whom they quickly swept in four games. After then defeating theNew York RangersandarchrivalPhiladelphia Flyers,each in five games, the Penguins reached thefinal roundfor the first time since1992,to face theDetroit Red Wings.After being shut-out as a team for the first two games of the series, Crosby scored the first two goals of game three as the series shifted toPittsburghto fuel a 3–2 win.The Penguins lost the next game and despite staving off defeat in game five, they were overcome by the Red Wings in six games. Crosby finished the playoffs with 27 points (six goals and 21 assists in all 20 games), tying forward andConn Smythe-winnerHenrik Zetterberg(13 goals and 14 assists in 22 games) for the playoff scoring lead.

Crosby (centre) withChris KunitzandBill Guerinin game 6 of the2009 Stanley Cup Finals

Early in thefollowing season,on October 18, 2008, Crosby scored one goal and three assists against theToronto Maple Leafsto surpass benchmarks of 100 goals, 200 assists, and 300 points for his career.On the play in which Crosby scored, teammate Evgeni Malkin assisted to record his own 200th point. As a result, Crosby had a team trainer cut the puck in half so both players could commemorate the achievement. Minor injury troubles kept Crosby from five games early in the season as he was listed day-to-day,but he was, for the most part, able to bounce back from the previous injury-riddled season and stay healthy. He recorded 33 goals and 70 assists for 103 points to finish third in league scoring, as Evgeni Malkin captured his first careerArt Ross Trophy.Entering the2009 playoffsas the defendingPrince of Wales Trophywinners, the Penguins defeated the Philadelphia Flyers in the opening round before meeting the Washington Capitals for a highly publicized second-round matchup. The series was heavily followed as it pitted Ovechkin of the Capitals against both Crosby and Malkin, who together finished as the league's top three scorers that season. In the second game, Crosby and Ovechkin recorded matching three-goal efforts for their first career playoff hat-tricks in a 4–3 Capitals victory.Despite being down 2–0 in the series, Crosby and the Penguins won the next three games and eventually defeated the Capitals in a seventh and deciding game, in which Crosby added another two goals.Following a sweep of theCarolina Hurricanesin the Eastern Conference finals, Crosby opted against recent NHL tradition and picked up the Prince of Wales Trophy, which he had left untouched the previous year. In explanation of the change of heart, Crosby said, "We didn't touch the trophy last year, and obviously we didn't have the result we wanted... Although we haven't accomplished exactly what we want... we can still enjoy it."The Penguins met the Detroit Red Wings for the second straight year in theStanley Cup Finals,and this time Crosby won his firstStanley Cuptitle in seven games. At 21 years, 10 months, and 5 days, Crosby became the youngest NHL captain to win the Stanley Cup since 1895. (The youngest captain to lead his team to the Stanley Cup in the history of the trophy isMike Grantof the1895Montreal Victorias,who was 21 years and 2 months at the time.)In the deciding game 7, Crosby was forced to watch all but 32 seconds of the third period from the bench after suffering a knee injury less than halfway through the second period due to a hit from Wings' wingerJohan Franzén.Following the game, Crosby was criticized by Detroit centreKris Draperfor neglecting to shake hands with some of Detroit's players in the handshake line, most notably Wings' defenceman and captainNicklas Lidström.An irate Draper was quoted as saying, "Nick was waiting and waiting, and Crosby didn't come over to shake his hand. That's ridiculous, especially as their captain."Crosby replied afterward, saying, "I just won the Stanley Cup. I think I have the right to celebrate with my teammates. I know it's not easy waiting around... I understand if they don't feel like waiting around. But you know what? It's the easiest thing to do in the world, to shake hands after you win. I had no intentions of trying to skip guys and not shake their hands. I think that was a pretty unreasonable comment."

Crosby withMarc-André Fleury(left) and the Stanley Cup during the Penguins victory parade. By winning the Stanley Cup in2009,Crosby became the youngest NHL captain to have his name engraved on the Stanley Cup.

Injury–plagued years, back-to-back Stanley Cups and Conn Smythe Trophies (2009–2018)

In the2009–10 season,Crosby tiedTampa Bay LightningcentreSteven Stamkosfor the lead in goals scored, with 51 goals each, both earning theRocket Richard Trophy.He also garnered 58 assists for a total of 109 points, enough to tie withWashington Capitalswinger and captainAlexander Ovechkinfor second in league points, trailing onlyVancouver Canucks' centreHenrik Sedin's, who ended the season with 112. Crosby was also named a finalist for theHart Memorial TrophyandTed Lindsay Award.Crosby won theMark Messier Leadership Award,getting recognized as a "superior leader within the sport, setting a positive example through on-ice performance, motivation of team members and a dedication to the community".This was the second time he had received this honour, the other being in January 2007, during the award's first year when it was presented monthly.He was also included on NHL's all-decade second team of 2000s.Crosby's defending Stanley Cup champion and fourth-seeded Penguins were defeated in the second round of the2010 playoffs,losing to theMontreal Canadiensin seven games. Crosby had 19 points (six goals, 13 assists) in all 13 games in the 2010 playoffs, though through seven games against the Canadiens, he had only one goal and four assists.Game 7 was also the last game to be played atMellon Arena,the Penguins' home rink since the start of the franchise. On July 27, 2010, Crosby joined his mentor from 2005 to 2006, his rookie yearMario Lemieuxto be the first to skate on the new ice at theConsol Energy Center.The two skated for about five minutes before being joined on the ice by a group of young hockey fans all wearing Lemieux's 66 or Crosby's 87 jerseys.

Crosby's 200th NHL goal, November 27, 2010

"When you get a typical injury you're given a time frame, you're gradually working towards getting back... With concussions there is not generally a time frame or a span where you're feeling better. You feel like you're getting better and it can be one day and you're back to where you started. It's a frustrating injury and one that anyone has gone through can relate. It's a hard one to understand unless you've gone through it".

— Crosby on his concussions.

In the2010–11 season,Crosby had a 25-game point streak, which began on November 5, 2010, against theAnaheim Ducksand ended on December 28, 2010, against theNew York Islanders.During this streak, he had 27 goals (including threehat-tricks) and 24 assists for 51 points. This streak was tied for 11th-longest point streak in NHL history. During this streak, Crosby scored his 200th NHL goal in a 4–1 win over theCalgary Flameson Flames' goaltenderMikka Kiprusoffon November 27 and he was named First Star of the Month in both November and December, respectively.On January 3, 2011, Crosby was selected as a2011 All-Star,along with teammatesEvgeni Malkin,Marc-André FleuryandKris Letang.However, neither Crosby nor Malkin were available to play in the All-Star Game due to injuries, and rookieJeff Skinner(along withPaul Stastny) were named as replacements. In consecutive games – the2011 NHL Winter Classicon January 1, 2011, against the Washington Capitals and then January 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning – Crosby suffered hits to his head fromDave SteckelandVictor Hedmanrespectively. After experiencing severalconcussionsymptoms, Crosby did not return for the rest of the season, including the2011 playoffs,where the fourth-seeded Penguins would lose in seven games in the first round coincidentally to the Lightning, who finished as the fifth seed and surrendered a 3–1 series lead in the process. The Penguins were further crippled whenEvgeni Malkinsuffered atorn ACLandMCLon February 4, taking him out for the rest of the season and leaving the Penguins without their two highest-scoring players.Despite Crosby's injury and subsequent absence for the final 41 games of the season, he finished as the Penguins' leading scorer. His 66 points in 41 games were 16 points ahead of the second-highest team scorer, defenceman Kris Letang.In so doing, Crosby set an NHL record for fewest games played by an NHL team's points leader.

Crosby missed the first 20 games of the2011–12 seasondue to the lingering effects of his concussion or possibly multiple.He returned on November 21, 2011, in a game against the New York Islanders, scoring two goals and two assists in a 5–0 shutout for the Penguins.However, after playing another seven games – scoring a total of 12 points in eight games – Crosby's concussion-like symptoms returned on December 5, possibly following an elbow hit byBoston BruinscentreDavid Krejčíin his eighth game of the season. Despite passing a successful ImPACT test, Crosby decided not to return on the ice until he felt perfectly fine, stating that he also must "listen to [his] body".Crosby returned to action on March 15, 2012, recording two assists on goals byChris KunitzandPascal Dupuisin a 5–2 win against theNew York Rangers.Despite only playing 22 games, Crosby recorded eight goals and 29 assists for 37 points. He later credited neurologists atUPMCandchiropractic neurologistTed Carrickwith helping him return to hockey.Crosby's return in advance of the2012 playoffsresulted in many experts predicting that the Penguins would win their second Stanley Cup title in four years,and though the Penguins were accordingly picked to oust thePhiladelphia Flyersin their first-round series, it was acknowledged that it would be a tough series for both teams.The Flyers shocked the Penguins by winning the first three consecutive games, the third of which saw the teams combine for 158 penalty minutes. After an 8–4 loss in game 3, Crosby was widely criticized for his conduct during the game,and for his testy post-game interview. When asked about an incident where Flyers wingerJakub Voráčekhad dropped his glove and Crosby swatted it away with his stick before Voráček could pick it up, Crosby replied, saying, "I don't like any guy on their team there, so his glove was near me, went to pick it up, and I pushed it, so yeah, that's... [...] I don't like them. Because I don't like them. I don't like... I don't like any guy on their team."When the interviewer suggested that he could have skated away, Crosby replied, "Skate away? Yeah, well, I didn't that time."The Penguins went on to win the next two games, but ultimately lost the series in game 6. Crosby finished with three goals and five assists in six games.

Crosby in December 2011. He was sidelined for most of the 2011–12 season after being diagnosed with concussion-like symptoms.

On June 28, 2012, the Penguins announced that Crosby agreed to a 12-year, $104.4 million contract extension set to keep Crosby in Pittsburgh through to the end of the 2024–25 NHL season.The start of the2012–13 seasonwas postponed until January 2013 due to the ownerslocking out the playersas negotiations took place to solidify a newcollective agreementfor the players. During this time, Crosby was a regular attendee of meetings taking place betweenNational Hockey League Players' Association(NHLPA) representatives and NHL owners. The lock-out began on September 15, 2012, and ended on January 6, 2013, with the NHL regular season beginning on January 19.During the 119-day lock-out, Crosby was often questioned about his future plans should the lockout persist, and said on more than one occasion that he was considering contract offers from various teams in European leagues (where many NHL players went so that they could continue playing in a professional capacity while waiting for the lock-out to end or for the NHL season to be officially cancelled). Crosby continued to practice and participated with other NHL players who did not go overseas in several exhibition games open to the public.With the season finally underway in January 2013, Crosby set the pace for scoring, totalling 31 points (nine goals and 22 assists) through the first 21 games. He remained hot through March, scoring another 25 points (six goals and 19 assists) in 15 games as the Penguins went unbeaten over this stretch. However, his regular season came to an abrupt end on March 30 in a home game against the New York Islanders. Crosby's teammateBrooks Orpikunleashed a slapshot which caught Crosby in the mouth, causing the centreman to lose several teeth. Crosby was down on the ice for several minutes before the medical staff was able to help him to the dressing room with Crosby holding a towel over his face. Initially, the prognosis was not severe, but it was discovered a short while later that Crosby had broken his jaw and would require several rounds of reconstructive dental surgery.He missed the final 12 games of the regular season and finished fourth in the scoring race, losing the title to Tampa Bay'sMartin St. Louisby four points.Crosby returned to the ice May 5 for the Penguins' second game against their first-round playoff opponents, the New York Islanders, ironically, the team who Pittsburgh played when Crosby was injured weeks prior. Despite two goals from Crosby, Pittsburgh lost 3–2, tying the series at one game apiece.The top-seeded Penguins would ultimately prevail 4–2 in the series over the eighth-seeded Islanders with Crosby scoring nine points (three goals and six assists) in the five games in which he played.Crosby and the Penguins moved on to face theOttawa Senatorsin the second round, with Crosby scoring a hat-trick in game 2 of the series. Pittsburgh quickly defeated Ottawa four games to one in the series with a still-hot Crosby finishing the series with four goals and two assists. The Eastern Conference finals came down to what many felt were the two best teams in the conference: Pittsburgh and Boston Bruins goaltenderTuukka Raskput on an outstanding performance, shutting down Pittsburgh's potent offence with the help of a stifling defensive effort from his teammates. The Penguins were held to just two goals in the series, with Rask stopping 134 of 136 shots on goal (.985%). Crosby, who was strong for the Penguins in the regular season and through the first two rounds of the playoffs was held off the score sheet entirely, finishing the series with no goals and no assists on 13 shots within the four games as the Bruins swept the Penguins in four-straight games.In the off-season, Crosby was awarded his second Ted Lindsay Award and finished as runner-up to theHart Memorial TrophyandBill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

Crosby shakes hands withBruinscaptainZdeno Chárafollowing Pittsburgh's elimination from the2013 playoffsand Boston's four-game sweep over them in the Eastern Conference finals.

Crosby put together a healthy and productive campaign in2013–14,playing 80 games for the first time since the 2009–10 season. Crosby finished the season with 36 goals and a league-leading 68 assists, marking the first time in his career that he led the league in assists. He also finished with a league-high 104 points, winning theArt Ross Trophyfor the second time in his career.He also went on to win the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award.Finishing first overall in the Metropolitan Division, the Penguins were matched-up with a new division rival, theColumbus Blue Jackets,in the first round of the2014 playoffs.Despite a very back-and-forth series and not a single goal by Crosby, the Penguins defeated the Jackets in six games to advance to a second-round matchup with the New York Rangers. Going into their second-round series with the Rangers, Crosby looked to end a long playoff goal drought, which dated back to the 2013 conference finals against the Boston Bruins. After dropping game 1 at home, Crosby broke his goal drought in game 2 as the Pens tied the series at 1–1 heading back toMadison Square Garden.The Penguins would capitalize on their game 2 win, taking the next two games and eliminating the Rangers' home-ice advantage. However, the Rangers rebounded, winning games 5, 6 and 7, sending the Penguins home without a prize for the fifth straight season and surrendering a 3–1 series lead. The team's collapse prompted Penguins ownership to fire general managerRay Shero,replacing him withJim Rutherford,the former general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes. Rutherford's first action as GM was to fireDan Bylsmaas head coach, and on June 25, he announced thatMike Johnstonwas the new head coach.

Crosby finished the2014–15 seasonwith the highest point-per-game average and a total of 84 points (28 goals, 56 assists), trailing only New York Islanders centre and captainJohn Tavares(86 points) and Art Ross winner andDallas Starswinger and captainJamie Benn(87 points).On November 26, 2014, Crosby scored his 800th career point against theToronto Maple Leafs,becoming the sixth-fastest player in NHL history to reach that milestone. On April 1, 2015, in a game against goaltenderSteve Masonof the Philadelphia Flyers, Crosby scored his 300th career NHL goal.Despite a strong start to the season, the injury-plagued Penguins narrowly entered the playoffs as the Eastern Conference's second wild card and eighth seed, beating the Boston Bruins by two points in the standings for the eighth and last playoff spot.Facing thePresidents' Trophy-winning New York Rangers in the opening round of the2015 playoffs,Crosby helped even the series with two goals in game 2 on Rangers' goaltenderHenrik Lundqvist.Despite this, the Penguins were defeated by the Rangers in five games and was eliminated in the first round for the first time since the 2012 playoffs.

Crosby skating against the Capitals in the second round of the 2016 playoffs

In the 2015 off-season, the Penguins went through a major overhaul of their roster, adding a number of offensive players such as acquiring wingerPhil Kesselfrom the Toronto Maple Leafs. Despite a line-up laced with some of the world's finest offensive talents, Crosby struggled to score points, as he and the team had for much of the Johnston era. By the time Johnston was fired on December 12, 2015, after posting a 15–10–3 record through 28 games, some media outlets began speculating that Crosby had aged out of his prime scoring years.On December 16,The Washington Postwrote, "Sidney Crosby has widely been regarded as the NHL's best player since he burst on the scene as a rookie in 2005... But Crosby just hasn't been himself this season, scoring just six goals and 13 assists for 19 points in the first 29 games and sitting with a plus/minus of minus-seven. All players go through slumps, but it is clear that the Crosby we knew has been on the decline for some time."His slow start was capped off by not being selected as a starter for the2016 NHL All-Star Game.However, under new head coachMike Sullivan,the 28-year-old turned his season around, outscoring all NHL players from December 12 through the end of the season.On February 2, Crosby scored three-straight goals against the Ottawa Senators for his first natural hat-trick in more than five years.Four days later, Crosby scored his 900th, 901st and 902nd career NHL points to fuel a 3–2 overtime comeback victory over theFlorida Panthers.He tallied at least one point in 15 of Pittsburgh's 16 games in March, including six multi-point efforts, and was subsequently named the NHL's First Star of the Month.On April 2, Crosby recorded his 600th NHL assist as the Penguins clinched their berth in the2016 playoffs.Six days later, he scored in overtime against the Washington Capitals to secure home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Crosby finished the2015–16 seasonwith 36 goals, 49 assists and 85 points in 80 games, including a career-high nine game-winning goals, and was voted team MVP for the sixth time in his career.Histwo-way gamealso received league-wide praise, with Hockey Hall of Fame head coachScotty Bowmanstating that Crosby would be a good candidate for theFrank J. Selke Trophyas the league's best defensive forward.Crosby's comeback also impressedWayne Gretzky,who said, "He had a tough start, but the sign of an elite athlete is a guy that battles through it. He didn't point any fingers, he just battled through it, and I don't think there is any question the last 40 or so games, he made a case for the MVP. He was that good. He went to another level."On May 7, Crosby was named a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy which was eventually given toChicago BlackhawkswingerPatrick Kane.He finished as the first runner-up with 800 points and 11 first-place votes.After losing to New York Rangers in the past two playoffs, the Penguins eliminated the Rangers in the first round, winning in five games, after losing to the Rangers by the same series margin in the first round the previous year. Crosby led the team in scoring with three goals and five assists for eight points in the series.The Penguins then eliminated the Presidents' Trophy-winning Washington Capitals in six games, without much offensive production from either Crosby (two assists) or Malkin (one goal and one assist).Advancing to their first conference finals since 2013, Crosby scored the overtime winner against the Tampa Bay Lightning in game 2. The goal was scored 40 seconds into overtime on Lightning goaltenderAndrei Vasilevskiyfor a 3–2 win, the fastest overtime goal in Penguins' playoff history, and the first of his career in the playoffs.In the following game, he scored the game-winning goal in a 4–2 victory.After dropping the next two games, Crosby scored his third game-winning goal of the series on Vasilevskiy in game 6, forcing a final game in Pittsburgh.Defeating the Lightning 2–1 in game 7, Crosby helped his team win the Eastern Conference championship, advancing to theStanley Cup Finalsagainst theSan Jose Sharksand prevent the Lightning from clinching asecond consecutive appearancein the Stanley Cup Finals of their own.In the Finals, the Penguins defeated the Sharks in six games to earn Crosby his second Stanley Cup title. He became the ninth player to win the Stanley Cup twice as well as two Olympic gold medals.Finishing the playoffs with 19 points (six goals and 13 assists), including the primary helper on the Cup-winning goal scored by Kris Letang, Crosby was awarded theConn Smythe Trophyas the MVP of the playoffs.

Crosby won his second straight Conn Smythe Trophy in 2017.

Crosby missed the first six games of the2016–17 seasonafter being diagnosed with a concussion in practice just a few days before the season opener against the Washington Capitals.Upon his return, he scored 30 goals in his first 45 games, and on February 16, 2017, he registered an assist on a Chris Kunitz goal against theWinnipeg Jetsto reach1,000 NHL points,doing so in just his 757th game to become the 12th-fastest (and 11th-youngest) player to reach that milestone.He also participated in his firstNHL All-Star Gamesince 2007, winning the shooting accuracy segment of the Skills Competition.He was named team MVP and finished the season with 89 points (44 goals, 45 assists) in 75 contests played. His 89 points tied with Chicago Blackhawks' Patrick Kane as the runner(s) up for the Art Ross Trophy. It marked the eighth time he finished a season in the top-three in NHL scoring, tying Mario Lemieux,Stan MikitaandPhil Espositofor the third-most instances in history behind only Wayne Gretzky (15 times) andGordie Howe(12 times).With his 44 goals, Crosby captured the Rocket Richard Trophy for the second time in his career.Crosby was also named a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award with both awards eventually going toEdmonton Oilerscentre and captainConnor McDavid.Entering the2017 playoffsas the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Penguins defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets in five games before meeting the back to back Presidents' Trophy-winning Washington Capitals in the second round for the second consecutive year.After winning the first two games on the road, Crosby sustained a concussion after suffering an injury from a slash and cross-check from both Alexander Ovechkin andMatt Niskanenin game 3.He missed game 4 but returned to practice the next day and played in game 5. The Penguins eventually eliminated the Capitals in game 7, with Crosby assisting on the series-winning goal byBryan Rust.The Penguins then defeated the Ottawa Senators in a gruelling seven-game series to secure their second consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Finals. Crosby had the primary assist on the series-clinching goal, scored by Chris Kunitz in double overtime.Facing the eighth-seededNashville Predatorsin theFinals,Pittsburgh jumped out to a two-game lead, despite being outplayed for long stretches in both games. The Predators responded by tying up the series, winning games 3 and 4 at home.In game 5, the Penguins' captain delivered a dominant performance, adding three assists in a 6–0 win to pass Lemieux for most Stanley Cup Finals points (20) in franchise history.After defeating the Predators 2–0 in game 6, the Penguins became the first team to repeat as Stanley Cup champions since the1997–98 Detroit Red Wings,and the first to do so in the salary cap era (since 2005–06). Crosby also won his second consecutive Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs, only the third player to do so afterBernie Parent(1974, 1975) andMario Lemieux(1991, 1992). He finished second in scoring behind Evgeni Malkin with 27 points (eight goals and 19 assists) in 24 games.

Crosby andEvgeni Malkin(left) in October 2017. They became the cornerstone players of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the mid-2000s, earning the nickname "The Two-Headed Monster".

In the2017–18 season,Crosby appeared in all 82 of Pittsburgh's regular season games for the first time in his career, finishing with 29 goals and 60 assists for 89 points.On February 11, 2018, he scored his 400th NHL goal againstJake Allenof theSt. Louis Blues,becoming the 95th player in NHL history to reach the milestone as the Penguins defeated the Blues 4–1.On March 21, he recorded his 700th career NHL assist on aJake Guentzelgoal in a 5–3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.The Penguins began their2018 playoff campaignagainst their inner-state rival, the Philadelphia Flyers. In game 1 of theBattle of Pennsylvania,Crosby recorded anatural hat-trickin a 7–0 win.On April 18, in game 4, Crosby passed Mario Lemieux as the Penguins' all-time playoff points leader with 173.The Penguins ultimately defeated the fifth-seeded Flyers in six games, with Crosby recording six goals and seven assists for 13 points.After the series, retired Hockey Hall of Fame centreBryan Trottiersaid of Crosby, "Sid has a wonderful gift to maintain his composure and not get rattled. You like the emotion he shows, too. I think he fires his team up, and that's why he's wearing the 'C' [for captain]."The Penguins were eventually eliminated in game 6 of the second round by the second-seeded and eventual Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals with Capitals' centreEvgeny Kuznetsovscoring the winning goal in overtime. Crosby finished with 21 points (nine goals and 12 assists) in all 12 games, pushing his career playoff total to 185, tied withSteve Yzermanfor tenth-most all-time.

Early playoff exits (2018–2022)

On December 31, 2018, Crosby played his 900th NHL game in a 3–2 win over theMinnesota Wild,becoming the second player in Penguins history to reach the mark.On January 3, 2019, Crosby was selected to play in theNHL All-Star Gamefor the eighth time in his career.He scored four goals and four assists, helping the Metropolitan Division to victory; his efforts won him his first All-Star MVP award, making him the sixth in NHL history to have won that award after having won theConn Smythe TrophyandHart Memorial Trophy.During the2018–19 season,Crosby passedMario Lemieuxto become the Penguins' all-time leader in games played (916), and moved into second place on the Pens' all-time scoring list with his 440th career goal in a 5–1 victory over theMontreal Canadienson March 3.Two days later, he became the 48th player in NHL history to score at least 1,200 career points against theFlorida Panthers.He finished the season with 100 points (35 goals and 65 assists), the first time he has reached the 100-point mark since scoring 104 points in 2013–14.Crosby finished 4th in voting for the Selke Trophy and became a Hart Trophy finalist for the seventh time in his career as the Selke eventually went toSt. Louis BluescentreRyan O'Reillyand the Hart getting awarded toTampa Bay LightningwingerNikita Kucherov,respectively.He was also elected team-MVP.

Crosby was selected to the NHL All-Decade First Team in January 2020.The Penguins finished fifth in the Eastern Conference in the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened2019–20 season,facing the 12th-seeded Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Conference qualifying round. The Canadiens upset the Penguins in four games, eliminating Pittsburgh on August 7, 2020, Crosby's 33rd birthday.

In thepandemic-shortened2020–21 season,Crosby led the team in scoring with 62 points (24 goals and 38 assists), and was the recipient of the team's MVP Award and the Players' Player Award.He was also a finalist for theTed Lindsay Awardwhich was eventually awarded toEdmonton Oilerscentre and captainConnor McDavid.On February 20, 2021, Crosby became the first player in Penguins history to play 1,000 games with the franchise in a 3–2 win over theNew York Islanders.The team clinched a playoff berth for the 15th consecutive season under Crosby's captaincy, the longest active postseason streak among all teams in the North American professional sports leagues.However, the Penguins were eliminated in the first round of the2021 playoffsby the New York Islanders for the second time in three seasons.

On February 15, 2022, Crosby scored his 500th career goal on a power play against thePhiladelphia Flyers,becoming the 46th player to score that many goals in NHL history and the 18th to have scored them all for a single team. He was the second Penguin to score 500 goals, after Lemieux.Continuing to hit new milestones, in an April 10 game against theNashville Predatorshe recorded a goal and an assist in regulation time, before scoring the overtime-winning goal, his 1400th point in the NHL.Crosby finished the2021–22 seasonwith 31 goals and 53 assists for 84 points in 69 games played, while the Penguins were third in the Metropolitan Division. They advanced into the2022 playoffsto meet theNew York Rangers.With bothEvgeni MalkinandKris Letang's contracts up in the summer, there was some question as to whether this would be the final outing for the core of the Penguins franchise in Crosby's era.In game 3 of the series against the Rangers, Crosby recorded his 197th career playoff point, passingPaul Coffeyfor sixth place in all-time playoff point standings.Two days later, he managed a goal and two assists in the Penguins' 7–2 victory in game 4 and 3–1 series lead, becoming the sixth player in league history to record 200 career points in the playoffs.Midway through the second period of game 5 inMadison Square Garden,with the Penguins up 2–0, Crosby took an elbow to the head from Rangers defencemanJacob Troubaand exited the game. In his absence, the Rangers rallied to win 5–3 and stave off elimination, and Crosby's departure was widely cited as the game's turning point. Head coachMike Sullivansaid that Crosby was being evaluated.After missing game 6, Crosby returned for game 7, alongside absent team goaltenderTristan Jarryand wingerRickard Rakell.However, the Penguins lost to the Rangers in game 7 in overtime with Rangers wingerArtemi Panarinscoring the winner for the Rangers to take a 4–3 win in the game and 4–3 win in the series and the Penguins were eliminated from the 2022 playoffs.

Recent years (2022–present)

In the 2022 off-season, it was reported that Crosby played a key role in facilitating a new deal between the Penguins andEvgeni Malkin,after the latter had initially announced he would test free agency.Crosby began the2022–23 seasonby registering two goals and four assists in his first two games, being named the first star of the first week while leading the league in scoring.After strong initial results, the team struggled with a lengthy losing streak, but Crosby recorded his 900th career assist on aJake Guentzelgoal on November 5, 2022, a 3–2 loss to theSeattle Kraken.He was the sixth-fastest player to this feat in NHL history.On April 8, Crosby registered his 1500th career point in a 5–1 win against theDetroit Red Wings,the fifteenth NHL player to hit that milestone, and in the sixth-fewest games (1188).As the poor performance of the team continued into the spring, the Penguins' league-best 16-year playoff streak increasingly came into jeopardy, and by the final weeks of the season they were battling theFlorida Panthersand theNew York Islandersfor the two Eastern Conference wildcard positions. A 5–2 loss to theChicago Blackhawkson April 11, at that moment the team at the bottom of the standings, in the penultimate game of the season, combined with an Islanders victory the following day, sealed the Penguins' missing the playoffs for the first time since2005–06,Crosby's rookie season and for the first time in Crosby's captaincy.This happened despite Crosby playing all 82 games for only the second time in his career, and doing so alongside Evgeni Malkin for the first time.Much recrimination ensued among fans and commentators, with many calling for the sacking of Penguins general managerRon Hextallfor his perceived mistakes in constructing the team in the previous 2022 off-season.Hextall and team executiveBrian Burkewere both fired the day after the season ended, with ownersFenway Sports Grouppromising "the goal of contending for the Stanley Cup has not changed."

Shortly the2023–24 season,his 19th season in the NHL, on November 4, 2023, Crosby skated in his 1,200th game, recording an assist in a 10–2 victory over theSan Jose Sharks.About the achievement, Crosby said: "You don't just love it when it's good to you. You love it when it's tough and when it's difficult too. When that passion's not there, or that love's not there, it's probably time to stop doing it."On April 1, 2024, following a 5–2 win over theNew York Rangers,Crosby became the second player in NHL history to average a point per game for the 19th consecutive season, joiningWayne Gretzky.On April 11, Crosby recorded his 1,000th NHL assist on a goal byErik Karlssonin a 6–5 overtime win over the Detroit Red Wings to become the 14th player in league history and seventh fastest player to hit the mark (at 1,269 games).Crosby finished the season playing in all 82 contests played with 42 goals, 52 assists and 94 points recorded. Despite his continuation of individual productivity, the Penguins finished three points out of a playoff spot marking the first time in Crosby's tenure where the Penguins missed the playoffs in two consecutive seasons.

On September 16, 2024, Crosby signed a two-year $17.4 million extension ($8.7 million average) to remain with the Penguins.On November 23, Crosby scored his 600th NHL goal against goaltenderKarel Vejmelkaof theUtah Hockey Club,becoming the 21st player in league history and second player in Penguins history to achieve the feat as the Penguins lost the game 6–1.

International play

Crosby with theCanadian men's national ice hockey teamduring the2010 Winter Olympics
Medal record
RepresentingCanada
Men'sice hockey
Winter Olympics
	2014 Sochi
	2010 Vancouver
World Championships
	2015 Czech Republic
World Cup
	2016 Toronto
World Junior Championships
	2005 United States
	2004 Finland

Junior

Crosby debuted internationally forCanadaat the2003 U-18 Junior World Cup.He was the youngest player on theunder-18 team,having turned 16 shortly before the beginning of the tournament. After seven consecutive gold medals at the tournament, Canada lost in the bronze medal game to theCzech Republic8–2. He scored four goals and six points over five tournament games.

Crosby went on to compete in twoWorld Junior ChampionshipswithCanada under-20 team.When he was named to the team in December 2003, he became the fifth 16-year-old to represent Canada at the tournament, followingJay Bouwmeester,Jason Spezza,Eric Lindrosand Wayne Gretzky. Competing in the2004 World Junior Championships,he then became the youngest player to score a goal in the history of the tournament at 16 years, 4 months, and 21 days when he scored againstSwitzerlandin a 7–2 win.This record would last until the2012 World JuniorswhenAleksander BarkovofFinlandscored a goal aged 16 years, 4 months.Crosby finished the tournament with two goals and three assists in six games, helping Canada to a silver medal finish. The following year, he returned for Canada at the2005 World Junior Championships.He improved to six goals and three assists as Canada earned gold. Crosby stated the following year that his most memorable ice hockey moment was winning his World Junior gold medal.

Men's

After completing his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Crosby competed in the2006 IIHF World Championshipas analternate captainforCanada.Scoring a tournament-best eight goals and eight assists in nine games, he became the youngest player ever to win aWorld Championshipscoring title.Despite his performance, Canada failed to medal, being shut-out byFinland5–0 in the bronze medal game. Crosby was named the tournament's top forward and to the competition's all-star team.

Crosby (against glass) celebrates moments after scoring the gold medal-winning goal at the2010 Winter Olympicsover theUnited States

After being omitted from Canada's Olympic team in2006,Crosby was named to the Canadian roster on December 30, 2009, as an alternate captain for the2010 Winter Olympics.He scored the game-winning shootout goal for Canada in the second game of the preliminary round againstSwitzerland.After going pointless in the quarterfinal and semifinal againstRussiaandSlovakiarespectively, Crosby scored the winning goal 7 minutes and 40 seconds into overtime against theUnited Statesin thegold medal game.The goal has later become known as the "Golden Goal" due to it being scored in the gold medal game.It is also regarded by some as "Canada's most iconic sports moment".

Following the Penguins' second-round elimination in the2010 Stanley Cup playoffs,Crosby declined an invitation to join Canada midway through the2010 IIHF World Championship.Crosby was selected to represent Canada at the2014 Winter Olympicsand was later namedteam captain.Canada won gold, with Crosby contributing one goal and two assists in six games. He scored his only goal in the final againstSweden,further establishing his reputation as "a player who rises up in big games".In 2015, Crosby captained Canada to its first World Championship title since2007,with the team winning all 10 games and scoring 66 goals. Crosby, scoring four goals and seven assists in nine games, became the 26th member of theTriple Gold Club.He is the first member of the club to captain all three championship teams,and the first member to be a first overall NHL draft pick.

In 2016,Hockey Canadanamed Crosby captain for the2016 World Cup of Hockey.Crosby, who led the tournament in scoring with 10 points, helping Canada win the championship, and was named the most valuable player. He joinedBobby OrrandWayne Gretzkyas the only players to win theConn Smythe Trophy,Hart Memorial Trophyand World Cup MVP.Canada's head coachMike Babcockdescribed Crosby as a serial winner, saying, "He's that high-end competitor. He's a good leader because he tries to do it right all the time. He demands a lot out of himself. In doing so, he demands a lot out of his teammates."In 2020, he was named to theIIHF All-Time Canada Teamand the Men's All-Decade Team.

On October 3, 2021, Crosby was one of the first three players named to roster forCanada's teamfor the2022 Winter Olympics,alongsideConnor McDavidandAlex Pietrangelo.However, due to the NHL's subsequent decision not to attend the Winter Olympics as a result of theOmicron variant's impacts on scheduling, Crosby was unable to compete. He said afterward that "I've been fortunate enough to be part of two. I definitely feel for the guys who have missed numerous opportunities."

On June 28, 2024, Crosby was one of the first six players selected to represent Team Canada in the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.He was later named captain of the team on January 30, 2025.

Player profile

Style of play

His lower-body strength is probably unparalleled in the league. It's not just about his speed, but how he can use his lower body to protect the puck in the corner. When he takes the puck through the neutral zone, he's a nightmare to defend because he seems to explode and take it to another gear as soon as the puck touches his stick.

–Logan Coutureof theSan Jose Sharkson Crosby in his January 2015 column forThe Players' Tribune.

As captain and first-line centre for Canada, Crosby played with different line mates in almost every game as the coaching staff struggled to find players capable of keeping pace with the superstar centre at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, and again at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games inSochi.Crosby's fellow countryman and Olympic teammate,Rick Nash,was questioned by the media about this, at one point saying, "I think he's a tough guy to keep up with. He's so fast. The way he thinks about the game seems like it's far beyond everyone else's process. It's the same thing in the last Olympics, keep shuffling around until you found something that fit."Team Canada's assistant coach in Vancouver,Ken Hitchcock,recalled, "Sid thinks at a level, when the other team has the puck, that's above everyone else in the league [NHL]. His anticipation when the other team has the puck is so high, he knows where it's going ahead of time. He can pick off passes, make you make errors. And then he also knows where people are located on the ice, so he can turn that turnover into a scoring chance."

Other professional NHL players have particularly noted Crosby for hisbackhand shot.For example, in his column forThe Players' Tribunein July 2015,Jonathan Quickof theLos Angeles Kingspraised Crosby for having "the best backhand shot" in the NHL. "His blade is almost completely flat, which combined with his ridiculous forearm strength gives him the ability to go forehand to your five hole instantly or turn it over to the backhand and roof it (a lot of guys can't do this with a flat blade)."

Reputation

Crosby during a game against theNew York Islandersin March 2018.

Noted for his on-ice vision, passing ability,leadership,work ethic,and complete overall game, Crosby is considered to be one of the greatest players of all time.Bobby Orrnamed Crosby among the five best players in the history of NHL.Wayne Gretzkysaid of Crosby in September 2016, "He's proven over and over that he's the best player in the game today. And it seems like the more important the game, the more impact that he makes on a game."Gordie Howewas also impressed by Crosby, "I met him and I've seen him play. Unless you put two guys on him, he'll kill you in a game."In October 2016,Mario Lemieuxpraised his protégé for his ability to play both sides of the puck: "I think he's more of a complete player. Defensively, I think he's improved a lot over the last couple of years."In an April 2018 article forThe Washington Post,other players, teammates and coaches highlighted his work ethic and strive for greatness as a major factor to Crosby's lasting success. "While his natural ability – powerful skating, pistol-quick hands, uncommon feel – made him a phenom, his creative, distinct capacity for work has enabled him to stay atop the NHL."In March 2019, Pittsburgh head coachMike Sullivandescribed Crosby as "best 200-foot player in the game" and the "heartbeat" of the Penguins.

On January 27, 2017, in a ceremony during the All-Star Weekend inLos Angeles,Crosby was named one of the100 Greatest NHL Playersin history.In that same year,Fox Sportsranked Crosby 15th on their "21 greatest athletes of the 21st century (so far)" list,andTSNnamed him the eighth-best NHL player of all time.Four months before the2022 Winter Olympics,Rob Rossi ofThe Athleticcalled him "arguably North America's most dominant team-sport Winter Olympian."In a survey conducted bySportsnetin June 2017, Crosby was voted by Canadians to be the greatest athlete of the 21st century.A poll conducted by the NHLPA in March 2018 of more than 500 players resulted in Crosby being voted the "most difficult to play against, best role model, best team player, the player you'd want to win one game, and the player who would be a great coach upon retirement".In April 2018, Crosby was chosen as Nova Scotia's "Best athlete ever" by theNova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame.In March 2019, an anonymous survey conducted byThe Athleticshowed that Crosby was regarded the best all-around NHL player by his peers.

Considered a generational talent and afranchise player,drafting Crosby changed the fortunes of a struggling Pittsburgh Penguins.It helped secure funding fora new arenaand ended speculation that the franchise would relocate to another city.In2005–06,his presence helped Pittsburgh's attendance increase by 33%.Crosby's arrival also aided in reinvigorating and expanding the roots of hockey in the Pittsburgh area. Penguins CEO and presidentDavid Morehousesaid, "We were in last place, we were last in revenues, we were last in attendance, our TV ratings were minimal and we were in the oldest building in the NHL... We were able to draw attention to us as a franchise because of the drafting of Sidney Crosby and the subsequent success we had."

Crosby is well known for welcoming new teammates with open arms. Former teammate and NHL veteranMatt Cullenhas said that "[he watches] how he makes time to make a real effort to include guys and go out of his way to spend time with younger guys, and I know that goes a long way." Crosby often does research on new members of the organization, even players who have not yet made the roster, and makes sure to greet them.

Some current players who grew up watching Crosby, such asJack Hughesof theNew Jersey Devils,have said that they tried to emulate other players as emerging youth hockey stars because "playing at his [Crosby's] level just wasn't realistic."

Jerseys

Crosby's number 87 Pittsburgh Penguins jersey was the top seller on the NHL's website from September 2005 to February 2008.It has continued to be among the top-selling jerseys since his rookie season. In January 2005, anAir Canadabaggage handler inMontrealstole Crosby's red Canada jersey from the World Junior Hockey Championship. It was recovered later in a mailbox.His white jersey from the tournament was temporarily delisted from an auction while the red one was missing. It eventually sold for $22,100, which went to youth hockey charities and2004 Indian Ocean earthquakerelief.

Less than a year later, one of Crosby's game-worn sweaters disappeared. The jersey he wore in his first NHL game, played against theNew Jersey Devils,disappeared from his father's luggage during a flight from Pittsburgh toBuffalo.The jersey was later found at thePittsburgh International Airportbetween a piece of equipment and a stairwell.Crosby's jersey from his third NHL game was the highest-selling NHL jersey in an auction forHurricane Katrinarelief – it sold for $21,010. During an online auction held by the NHL and the NHL Players Association to benefitHockey Fights Cancer,Crosby's game-worn jersey from the first period of the 2007 All-Star Game earned the most money. Crosby's sold for $47,520, more than eight times the next highest price—$5,681 for the jersey worn byBrendan Shanahanof the New York Rangers.

Following Crosby's Olympic gold medal victory with Canada in 2010, it was announced that hisstickandglovewere missing. It was initially suspected that they might have been stolen;ReebokCanada offered a reward ofCAD$10,000 for their return, "no questions asked".On March 10, the items were found: Crosby's stick had been placed in ashipmentbound for theInternational Ice Hockey Federation Hall of FameinSaint Petersburg,Russia, (the shipment was intercepted inToronto) and his glove was found in ahockey bagbelonging to Olympic teammate and Boston Bruins' centrePatrice Bergeron,whosestallwas beside Crosby's in thelocker room.

Personal life

"Home of Sidney Crosby" city sign in Cole Harbour.

Crosby rarely discusses his personal life and avoids social media. Andy O'Brien, Crosby's fitness trainer for over 15 years, has said: "He [Crosby] wants to be one of the guys and doesn't really seek to separate himself or get special treatment in any way... He takes a lot of enjoyment in the regular, simple things in life and having a normal, ordinary routine".Greg Powersdescribed Crosby as essentially the brother of Lemieux's son Austin,as he lived with Lemieux's family inSewickley, Pennsylvania,from 2005 until 2010. In May 2010, Crosby purchased his own home in the same area.In June 2006, he had bought his first house onGrand Lakein Halifax, Nova Scotia.

On May 29, 2010, it was announced that Crosby would sign the richest endorsement contract in NHL history with Reebok, expected to pay Crosby $1.4 million per year for five to seven years.In 2015, he signed a six-year endorsement contract withAdidas.Crosby also has endorsement deals withBell,Tim Hortons,andGatorade.Regarded as one of Canada's "legendary goal-scorers and storied leaders", Crosby was featured inCanada Post'sNHL Great Canadian Forwardsstampcollection, alongsidePhil Esposito,Guy Lafleur,Darryl Sittler,Mark Messier,andSteve Yzerman.In September 2016, he won anEmmy Awardfor his role inThere's No Place Like Home With Sidney Crosby.He also won for his participation in theMerci Sidneyvideo that followed his return to Rimouski for his QMJHL jersey retirement ceremony.

Crosby has a younger sister named Taylor who is a hockey goaltender.Like her brother, she went to high school at Shattuck-Saint Mary's in Faribault, Minnesota, to play with the school's hockey program.In 2014, Taylor joined theNortheastern Huskies women's ice hockeyteam as a freshman atNortheastern UniversityinBoston.In 2015, she transferred to Minnesota'sSt. Cloud State Universityand played with theSt. Cloud State Huskies women's ice hockeyteam through to graduation at the end of the 2017–18 school year.

Crosby continues to be active in the community in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia. He created the Sidney Crosby Foundation in 2009, an organization committed to helping charities benefiting children.In 2015, he started a hockey school in Cole Harbour.His "Little Penguins Program" has provided free equipment and lessons to more than ten thousand local youngsters in Pittsburgh.

Career statistics

Biographical information and career statistics fromNHL.com,orEliteprospects.com,orEurohockey.com,orHockey-Reference.com,orThe Internet Hockey Database.

Regular season and playoffs

Boldindicates led league

				Regular season						Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1999–00	Cole Harbour Red Wings	Peewee AAA		≈70	—	—	≈200	—		—	—	—	—	—
1999–00	Cole Harbour Red Wings	Bantam AAA		1	1	3	4	—		—	—	—	—	—
2000–01	Cole Harbour Red Wings	Bantam AAA		63	86	96	182	—		5	10	6	16	—
2001–02	Dartmouth Subways	Midget AAA		74	95	98	193	114		7	11	13	24	0
2001–02	Truro Bearcats	MJAHL		2	0	1	1	0		—	—	—	—	—
2002–03	Shattuck St. Mary's	Midget AAA		57	72	90	162	104		—	—	—	—	—
2003–04	Rimouski Océanic	QMJHL		59	54	81	135	74		9	7	9	16	10
2004–05	Rimouski Océanic	QMJHL		62	66	102	168	84		13	14	17	31	16
2005–06	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		81	39	63	102	110		—	—	—	—	—
2006–07	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		79	36	84	120	60		5	3	2	5	4
2007–08	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		53	24	48	72	39		20	6	21	27	12
2008–09	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		77	33	70	103	76		24	15	16	31	14
2009–10	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		81	51	58	109	69		13	6	13	19	6
2010–11	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		41	32	34	66	31		—	—	—	—	—
2011–12	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		22	8	29	37	14		6	3	5	8	9
2012–13	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		36	15	41	56	16		14	7	8	15	8
2013–14	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		80	36	68	104	46		13	1	8	9	4
2014–15	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		77	28	56	84	47		5	2	2	4	0
2015–16	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		80	36	49	85	42		24	6	13	19	4
2016–17	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		75	44	45	89	24		24	8	19	27	10
2017–18	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		82	29	60	89	46		12	9	12	21	6
2018–19	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		79	35	65	100	36		4	0	1	1	2
2019–20	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		41	16	31	47	15		4	2	1	3	0
2020–21	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		55	24	38	62	26		6	1	1	2	2
2021–22	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		69	31	53	84	32		6	2	8	10	2
2022–23	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		82	33	60	93	52		—	—	—	—	—
2023–24	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		82	42	52	94	40		—	—	—	—	—
NHL totals				1,272	592	1,004	1,596	823		180	71	130	201	83

• _{1999–2000 stats are from "Age-old question: Cole Harbour hockey association bars peewee player from bantam tourney". The Halifax Daily News. April 5, 2000.}

International

Year	Team	Event		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2003	Canada	U18		5	4	2	6	10
2004	Canada	WJC		6	2	3	5	4
2005	Canada	WJC		6	6	3	9	4
2006	Canada	WC		9	8	8	16	10
2010	Canada	OLY		7	4	3	7	4
2014	Canada	OLY		6	1	2	3	0
2015	Canada	WC		9	4	7	11	2
2016	Canada	WCH		6	3	7	10	0
Junior totals				17	12	8	20	18
Senior totals				37	20	27	47	16

Honours and achievements

Crosby holding the Stanley Cup during Penguins' home opener of the2017–18 NHL season

Crosby with anOlympic gold medalfollowing the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Award / honour	Year
NHL
NHL All-Rookie Team	2006
NHL All-Star Game	2007,2008,2009,2011,2015,2017,2018,2019,2023,2024
Art Ross Trophy	2007,2014
Hart Memorial Trophy	2007,2014
Ted Lindsay Award	2007,2013,2014
Mark Messier Leadership Award	2007,2010
NHL First All-Star team	2007,2013,2014,2016
Stanley Cupchampion	2009,2016,2017
NHL 2000s All-Decade second team	2009
Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy	2010,2017
NHL Second All-Star team	2010,2015,2017,2019
Conn Smythe Trophy	2016,2017
NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition Accuracy Winner	2017
NHL All-Star Game Most Valuable Player	2019
NHL 2010s All-Decade first team	2020
Best NHL Player ESPY Award	2007,2008,2009,2010,2013,2014,2016,2017
Pittsburgh Penguins
Michel Brière Rookie of the Year Award	2006
Most Valuable Player Award	2006,2007,2010,2013,2014,2016,2017,2019,2021
A.T. Caggiano Memorial Booster Club Award	2006,2007,2010,2013,2014
Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Good Guy Award	2006,2009,2010
The Edward J. DeBartolo Community Service Award	2010,2016,2017
Players' Player Award	2018,2019,2021
International
World Juniorgold medal	2005
World Championshipleading scorer	2006
World Championship best forward	2006
World Championship All-Star team	2006
Olympicgold medal	2010,2014
World Championship gold medal	2015
World Cup of Hockeygold medal	2016
World Cup of Hockey leading scorer	2016
World Cup of Hockey Most Valuable Player	2016
IIHF All-Time Canada Team	2020
IIHF All-Decade Team	2010–2020
CHL/QMJHL
President's Cupchampion	2004
RDS/JVC Trophy	2004
QMJHL All-Rookie Team	2004
Michel Bergeron Trophy	2004
CHL Rookie of the Year	2004
QMJHL first All-Star team	2004,2005
Michel Brière Memorial Trophy	2004,2005
Jean Béliveau Trophy	2004,2005
Paul Dumont Trophy	2004,2005
Offensive Player of the Year	2004,2005
CHL first All-Star team	2004,2005
CHL Player of the Year	2004,2005
CHL Top Scorer Award	2004,2005
Canada Post Cup	2004,2005
Guy Lafleur Trophy	2005
Mike Bossy Trophy	2005
Top Pro Prospect	2005
Memorial Cup All-Star team	2005
Ed Chynoweth Trophy	2005
Rimouski Océanic and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Océanic de Rimouskiretired jersey #87	2019
Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League-Sidney Crosby TrophyRookie of the year	2025 - effective since 2024-25 season
Minor
Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League Champion	2002
Air Canada CupTournament MVP Award	2002
Air Canada Cup Top Scorer Award	2002
Air Canada Cup Scholarship	2002
USA Hockey National Midget Champion	2003
Other awards
Dapper DanSportsman of the Year	2006, 2007, 2017
Sporting News,NHL Player of the Year	2007
ESPYAward,NHL Player of the Year	2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017
Lou Marsh Trophy(Canadian athlete of the year)	2007, 2009
Lionel Conacher Award(Canadian male athlete of the year)	2007, 2009, 2010
Order of Nova Scotia	2008
AIFChairman's Award for leadership in community and charitable activities	2008
ESPN,Top Ten NHL Players of the Decade (2000–2009)	2009
Sporting News,Top 50 Players in Today's NHL (Ranked No. 1)	2009
Sporting News,Top Under-25 Athlete	2010
The Sports Network,Hockey's Top 50 (Ranked No. 1)	2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
The Hockey News,Saku Koivu Award (Comeback Player)	2013
The Hockey News,Mario Lemieux Award (Best Player)	2013, 2014
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal	2013
The Hockey News,Wayne Gretzky Award (MVP)	2014, 2016
Triple Gold Club	2015
ESPN, Top 20 Athletes 1995–2015 (Ranked No. 20)	2015
Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award,Best Sports One-Time Special	2016, 2020
Sporting News,NHL Athlete of the Decade	2010–2020
ESPN, NHL's All-Decade Awards: MVP	2010–2020
Order of Canada	2022

Records

IIHF

• Youngest player to win a World Championship scoring title

Pittsburgh Penguins

• Assists (63) and points (102) in a season by a rookie
• Most regular season overtime goals (13)
• Most games played
• Most playoff points
• Most playoff assists
• Most playoff games
• Most points in the Stanley Cup Finals (20)
• Most playoff multi-point games

NHL

• First rookie to record 100 points and 100 penalty minutes in a season
• Youngest player to record 100 points in a season (18 years, 253 days)
• Youngest player to record 200 career points (19 years and 207 days)
• Youngest player to record 2 consecutive 100-point seasons (19 years, 215 days).
• Youngest player voted to the starting line-up in an All-Star Game
• Youngest Art Ross Trophy and Lester B. Pearson Award winner
• Youngest player to be named to the first All-Star team
• Youngest player to lead NHL playoffs in scoring (20 years, 9 months, and 28 days)
• Youngest NHL captain to winStanley Cup(21 years, 10 months, and 5 days)
• 6th player in NHL history to win multiple Conn Smythe Trophies.
• Fewest games played by an NHL team's leading scorer (his 66 points in 41 games were the most of any player on the 2010–11 Penguins squad)

See also

• List of Pittsburgh Penguins players
• List of NHL players with 50 goal seasons
• List of NHL players with 100-point seasons
• List of NHL players with 1,000 points
• List of NHL players with 1,000 games played
• List of NHL players with 500 goals

Further reading

• Pincus, Arthur (2006),The Official Illustrated NHL History,Reader's Digest,ISBN0-88850-800-X

External links

• Biographical information and career statistics fromNHL.com,orEliteprospects.com,orEurohockey.com,orHockey-Reference.com,orThe Internet Hockey Database