Head coach Mike Sullivan believes the Pittsburgh Penguins star players have another gear still to hit.

After a rocky start to the 2023-24 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have found their footing and quickly rising as one of the most competitive teams in the NHL.

While certain areas of the lineup are still looking to gain more traction, the leaders within the Penguins lineup have been among the most important players.

Evgeni Malkin is tied for the team lead in points with 16 while leading in goals with eight.

Sidney Crosby has recorded at least a point in every game but one through the first 13 contests.

Despite recording a point in nearly every game, Crosby’s performance hasn’t been over the top, but there might be something brewing.

Head coach Mike Sullivan knows Crosby and Malkin are by no accident elite-level atheletes.

“These two guys continue to perform at an elite level night in and night out,” Sullivan said. “That’t a testament to their work ethic. The sacrifices they make and put the time and effort in to keep their games at a very high level.”

Malkin, in particular is off to one of his most successful starts in his entire career, which is great to see but also shocking considering it’s his 18^th year in the NHL and he’s 37-years-old.

Crosby has also had better starts, but he’s been a steady force for the Penguins.

Both are off to fantastic starts, but is there still more to give?

“I do think these guys are capable of another level,” Sullivan said. “They’ve certainly shown it. They’ve elevated it at times. They’ll continue to elevate it… they’re capable.”

It truthfully doesn’t matter the age Crosby and Malkin are; they’re bringing their A-game every night and are leading the Penguins by example.

The Penguins have looked really good over their four-game winning streak with the level that those two are already at; if they can turn it up another notch, there’s no telling what kind of season they can have and how far they can push the Penguins.

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