Sidney Crosby still sets the standard as Penguins crush Flyers

Sidney Crosby needed only one sequence on opening night in Philadelphia to remind the NHL that he still drives the Pittsburgh Penguins. Early in a 7–0 rout of the Flyers, the 39-year-old captain absorbed a heavy open-ice hit from defenceman Rasmus Ristolainen, bounced back to his feet, recovered the puck and immediately took control of the shift.

Crosby drifted high in the offensive zone, pulling another Flyers checker out of position before moving the puck to Kris Letang. The play eventually worked its way down to Nick Robertson for the first goal of the game, setting the tone for a lopsided victory. It was the kind of moment that has defined Crosby’s career: resilience, vision and a direct impact on the scoreboard.

A legendary core still chasing titles

Crosby’s latest performance comes in his 22nd NHL season, with an unmatched run of 21 campaigns producing at a point-per-game pace. Even as he nears 40, he remains the focal point of a core that includes longtime teammates Evgeni Malkin and Letang, the trio that delivered Stanley Cups to Pittsburgh in 2009, 2016 and 2017.

Letang has emphasized how Crosby’s approach continues to shape the room, while noting that Malkin has no interest in merely playing out the string as an aging veteran. Both stars, he suggested, still see themselves as dominant players, a mindset that helps pull the rest of the roster along and kept the Penguins competitive last season when many observers expected a steep decline.

Behind the bench, head coach Dan Muse has a reputation for drilling into details, and Game 1 reflected that structure. Crosby’s opening-period sequence leading to the first goal embodied the standard of focus and execution the staff is trying to instill throughout the lineup.

Leadership that reaches beyond Pittsburgh

Crosby’s influence resonates far beyond his own dressing room. New teammates such as Declan Carlile have spoken about being struck by how he continues to get better at this stage of his career. For players like Robertson, who have battled to secure a permanent NHL role, sharing a line with Crosby offers an invaluable education in how an all-time great prepares and competes.

Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki, who played alongside Crosby at the Milano-Cortina Olympic Games, describes that experience as something to savour. He points to Crosby’s constant communication on the bench, relaying what he sees and sharing adjustments with every line, not just his own, as a key part of his leadership.

Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis, a former opponent and international teammate, underscores Crosby’s professionalism. He cites the veteran’s training habits, preparation and visible passion for the sport as traits that make him a model for younger players trying to establish themselves in the league.

No sign of slowing down

Now more than two decades into his career, the Cole Harbour, N.S., native still relishes the start of a new season. Crosby has said that the anticipation never fades and that he simply loves going out, learning and trying to get better while being part of this Penguins group.

Nothing in his early-season play, or in the way teammates and opponents talk about him, suggests he is close to stepping aside. As long as his passion and drive remain intact, Crosby’s staying power will continue to define the Penguins — and force the rest of the NHL to keep chasing one of the greatest players of his generation.