Crosby credits teammates for success

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This article was published 17/02/2017 (3512 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

PITTSBURGH — Hovering just below the 1,000-point mark for the better part of the last two weeks, Sidney Crosby wanted nothing more than to just get it over with.

Following a five-day break for his team, the Pittsburgh Penguin captain scored just one point in the next three games, bringing him to within two points of the coveted milestone.

When he added an assist in a win over the Vancouver Canucks Tuesday, the media attention only intensified, coming to an apex Thursday morning as dozens of reporters surrounded him just hours before the Penguins were to welcome the Winnipeg Jets, and their lowly defensive numbers, to PPG Arena.

“I don’t love talking about it,” said Crosby, who that morning led the NHL in goals with 30 and was second in points with 61 in 49 games. “I’d love to just get it and keep going here.”

Crosby wouldn’t have to wait long for his wish. With the Penguins up 1-0 just a minute into the game, Crosby muscled the puck off Jets captain Blake Wheeler before finding Chris Kunitz in front of the net, who one-timed the puck past Connor Hellebuyck at 6:28 of the first period.

As the puck hit the back of the net and the red light lit up in the background, the sold-out crowd at PPG Arena rose to their feet in celebration. The game took a brief pause as Crosby broke free from a small celebration with his linemates to engage with the thousands that remained on their feet in applause.

He tapped gloves with every player on the bench and then saluted the roaring crowd. On the next commercial timeout, the Penguins played for him a tribute, which opened by highlighting his first points as an 18-year-old, when he broke into the NHL 2005, just months after being selected with the first overall pick.

By now, Crosby was sitting on the bench, seemingly humbled by the chaos around him. He raised his hand once more to the crowd.

He’d add another assist and then provide the game-winning goal with just 21 seconds left in overtime, as the Penguins edge the Jets 4-3.

The three-point night brought Crosby to 1,002 career points, making him just the 86th player in NHL history to reach the 1,000-point barrier. It was his 757th game, all of which have come with the Penguins, who drafted him with the first overall pick in the 2005 NHL draft.

“It’s not something you think about a whole lot but when you’re around the number, you realize how many guys have done it,” said Crosby. “It’s not easy but I think you need to understand you need to be surrounded by some good players because ultimately points are a product of the plays that are made.

“You have to have the guys around you and I’ve played on some great teams here, played with some great players. You appreciate it and you’re thankful for the opportunity to play with guys that allow you to get those points.”

Crosby, now in his 12th season, doesn’t look to be slowing down. His goal Thursday was his 31st this year — tops in the league — and his 64 points is one better than Edmonton Oilers’ star Connor McDavid for the league lead.

“It doesn’t surprise me,” said Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan. “He’s a tremendous player. The fact that he’s scored a 1,000 points in (757 regular season) games… I think is just a testament to the player that he is and the character of the person.

“He’s an ultra-competitive guy, he loves to win and he’s an elite player. We’re privileged to have him on our team.”

jeff.hamilton@freepress.mb.ca twitter: @jeffkhamilton