“Sid the Kid”

Sidney “Sid the Kid” Crosby (born August 7th 1987) is a Canadian ice hockey center. He has been playing all his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins (2005 – today). He is currently captain of the Penguins. For many hockey followers Crosby is often mentioned to be one of the greatest players of all time. Sidney Crosby has won three Stanley Cups.

Early Career

When Crosby was 13 years – he was refused to allow him play at Midget level (15-17 years) by hockey council. Next year he went to Darmouth Subways at Midget level and scores 193 points in 74 games. Crosby was selected first overall in 2003 Midget Draft and he started to play with Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL. Crosby played two great seasons with Oceanic and they won President’s Cup as QMJHL playoff champions in the 2004-05 season. Rimouski Oceanic and whole QMJHL retired jersey number 87 in 2019.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Sidney Crosby was first overall pick in 2005 NHL Draft by Pittsburgh Penguins. He made his NHL debut in 5.10.2005, against New Jersey Devils. Crosby began his rookie season playing alongside with great Mario Lemieux – unfortunately Lemieux was forced to retire after 26 games of the season.

In his first season Crosby battled hard for the Calder Trophy, but another rookie, a rising star Alexander Ovechkin won it. Next season (2006-07) Crosby became the youngest player in the NHL history to win the Art Ross Trophy (most points in regular season) – he was 19 years old.

Crosby was named the Penguins captain on 31.5.2007 – making him the youngest captain in NHL history. Next season the Penguins reached Stanley Cup Finals – Crosby and new rising star Evgeni Malkin were key components of the team. They lost finals to the Detroit Red Wings this time 4-2.

Next season the same teams met again in the finals. Crosby and Malkin brought the Stanley Cup to Pittsburgh winning the series 4-3. Crosby continued to play at high level, but he had few injury-plagued years between 2010-2012. Penguins and Crosby continued to be solid playoff-team, but did not reached the Stanley Cup finals.

The Penguins started 2015-16 season with some good additions of their roster. Crosby started season poorly, but turned his season and led the Penguins to the Stanley Cup Finals. This time the Penguins met San Jose Sharks and won 4-2 – Crosby was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the playoffs. Next season (2016-17), the Penguins reached again Stanley Cup Finals – they had difficulties against Washington Capitals (won 4-3) and Ottawa Senators (won 4-3), but they overcame those. The Penguins won Nashville Predators 4-2 in the finals and became back-to-back champions. Crosby was again very solid and he won his second consecutive Conn Smythe Trophy.

Other interesting stuff

Sydney Crosby have won two Hart Memorial Trophies (2007, 2014) for a NHL’s most valuable player, two Conn Smythe Trophies (2016, 2017) for the most valuable player in the playoffs. Sydney Crosby is one of the few players who have won the Stanley Cup 3 times (2009, 2016 and 2017), World Championship Gold Medal (2015) and Olympic Gold Medal (2010, 2014).