Penguins Core Leading Early Season by Example
The leaders of the Pittsburgh Penguins have been the focal point of early-season success.
Entering the 2023-24 season, the veteran core of the Pittsburgh Penguins was eager to show that last year was a fluke and they still have what it takes to compete for the Stanley Cup.
Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang are all over the age of 35, but have gotten off to great starts to the season and are leading the Penguins in more ways than one.
It all starts on the score sheet where Crosby and Malkin are two of the team’s leading scorers.
Through just three games, Malkin leads the Penguins with six points (2G-4A), but is also tied for most in the NHL.
Crosby in three games has notched four points with three goals and an assist; Letang himself has three helpers in the first trio of games, as well.
When the core is producing at that kind of rate, the rest of the room feeds off of their example.
“Sometimes that’s all you need to give yourself that edge,” newcomer Reilly Smith said. “That first shift by Sid’s line was really the change in the game for us tonight.”
When the Penguins were down by a goal heading into the final frame against the Calgary Flames, Crosby started the period off with an outstanding effort.
Crosby created a turnover then used his strength to maintain possession before Bryan Rust eventually notched the game-tying goal.
“Guys who have world class talent are able to be game changers.”
Smith answered shortly after with a goal of his own, assisted by his linemate in Malkin.
Throughout the start of the year, Crosby and Malkin have been especially dominate to start the season.
“They’re elite players, and they still have elite game,” head coach Mike Sullivan said. “Both of them have the ability to elevate their game at any particular time.”
The core group of Crosby, Malkin, and Letang are the leaders of the Penguins both on the ice and in the room.
So far, after a lousy first game of the year, they have taken charge of the team, and have been huge reasons for the last two wins.
“I don’t think there’s any question that it starts with our leadership,” Sullivan said. “These guys are leading by example.”
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