Sidney Crosby is currently 38 years old, a surprising fact given his longtime nickname "Sid the Kid." As he prepares for his 21st NHL season, Crosby remains a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Penguins, having spent his entire career with the team. His career has been marked by exceptional achievements, including eight All-Star selections, three Stanley Cup championships, two Hart Trophies, and several other prestigious awards such as the Art Ross, Conn Smythe, Maurice Richard Trophies, and three Ted Lindsay Awards. Crosby also earned a spot on the NHL 100th Anniversary Team.
In celebration of his birthday, here is a ranking of Crosby’s top 10 moments in the NHL so far:
Honorable Mention: Clutch Play in the 2008 Stanley Cup Final
Though the Penguins lost to the Red Wings, Crosby’s assist late in Game 5 helped force one of the longest games in Stanley Cup history. With Detroit seconds away from winning, Crosby’s pass led to a crucial goal by Maxim Talbot, resulting in multiple overtimes before Pittsburgh eventually won.
10. Incredible Rookie Year
At just 18, Crosby quickly made his mark, scoring his first career points in his debut and finishing the season with 102 points, ranking fifth in the league. A highlight was his performance against rival Philadelphia, where he assisted, scored, and clinched the game in overtime. He finished as the runner-up for Rookie of the Year behind Alexander Ovechkin.
9. Winning the Winter Classic
Crosby scored the shootout winner against the Buffalo Sabres in the first NHL Winter Classic, lifting the Penguins to a 2-1 victory in front of a crowd of over 71,000 fans.
8. Youngest Scoring Champion
In the 2006-07 season, Crosby became the youngest NHL scoring leader with 120 points, earning his first Hart Trophy as MVP and leading the Penguins back to the playoffs after a six-year absence.
7. Dominating the Flyers
In the 2009 playoffs, Crosby helped close out the Penguins’ comeback victory over the Flyers, a rival team he has consistently outperformed throughout his career.
6. Rivalry Climax with Ovechkin
In the 2009 playoffs, Crosby fueled the Penguins’ win over the Capitals, scoring multiple goals in Game 7 to secure a pivotal victory in their heated rivalry.
5. Comeback Season
After severe injuries threatened his career, Crosby bounced back in the 2013-14 season to lead the NHL in assists and points, winning the Art Ross, Hart, and Ted Lindsay Awards.
4. Breaking Records
In the 2024-25 season, Crosby surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s record by scoring or assisting in at least one game for 20 consecutive seasons, showcasing his remarkable consistency.
3. Winning the Conn Smythe Trophy
While teammate Evgeni Malkin won the Conn Smythe in their 2009 Stanley Cup win, Crosby’s postseason performance has been key to multiple Penguins championships, including providing crucial assists during their 2017 Stanley Cup run.
2. Leading the 2016 Stanley Cup Victory
Crosby guided the Penguins to their first Stanley Cup in seven years in 2016, delivering clutch goals and assists, including the overtime winner in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
1. The Golden Goal
Arguably Crosby’s defining moment came with Team Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics, where he scored the winning overtime goal against the USA to secure the gold medal, cementing his legacy in international hockey.
Fan Take:
Sidney Crosby’s enduring excellence and clutch performances have left a lasting imprint on the NHL, inspiring both teammates and fans alike. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level over two decades not only elevates the Penguins but also serves as a benchmark of greatness for the sport of hockey worldwide.
