Sidney Crosby knows what it takes to make it to the playoffs.
Sure, after 16 straight years of postseason appearances, it started to feel like the bare minimum. A given. But sitting on the sidelines for what he calls "the best time of year" for three straight seasons served as a harsh reminder of just how difficult it really is to get to that point.
But after Friday's 5-2 win over the Devils, the Penguins are officially back in the playoffs for the first time since 2022.
"That's why you play," Crosby said, cracking a smile as he stood at his locker. "To know that we're going to be there, to set out to do that and even more, it's nice to get rewarded."
The Penguins have had some disappointing misses. The first two times they missed the postseason after that 16-year run, it came down to the eve of the last game of the regular season, getting eliminated by the results of an out-of-town game while they could only sit and watch. They weren't nearly as close last year, getting eliminated with four games left to go.
Even last season, as the Penguins looked to be taking a slide in the wrong direction, Crosby's belief that he'd see an NHL playoff game again, with this team, never wavered.
"I know how hard it is. I think I understand that," he said. "You don't ever know. But I thought right from camp, we've had those intentions and had that belief. Our start was a good example of that. The belief was there, but it takes everybody. We've got a great group here, and just really happy to know that we're going back there."
The goal that Kyle Dubas has publicly stated a few times in the last couple years was to return to playoff contention while Crosby is still around. To do so with Crosby, andKris Letang and Evgeni Malkin was a loftier goal, especially with Malkin's contract expiring this season. But the core -- together, as a trio -- gets to return to the playoffs again after doing so for 16 straight seasons.
That's something that makes their teammates appreciate the upcoming opportunity that much more.
"I mean, they're they're legends, Hall of Famers, the G.O.A.T.S.," Stuart Skinner said of the three. "They've done so much in this league. It's seriously impressive how they just keep on going. They have so much success every single year. You know, it really, really takes a special person to be able to do that for a long time. And there's no sign of them slowing down."
It's a legacy that includes three Stanley Cups, countless milestones, awards and other individual achievements. And with a playoff spot secured, they'll have an opportunity to keep adding to that legacy this spring.
THE ASYLUM
Crosby on playoffs: 'Why you play'
Sidney Crosby knows what it takes to make it to the playoffs.
Sure, after 16 straight years of postseason appearances, it started to feel like the bare minimum. A given. But sitting on the sidelines for what he calls "the best time of year" for three straight seasons served as a harsh reminder of just how difficult it really is to get to that point.
But after Friday's 5-2 win over the Devils, the Penguins are officially back in the playoffs for the first time since 2022.
"That's why you play," Crosby said, cracking a smile as he stood at his locker. "To know that we're going to be there, to set out to do that and even more, it's nice to get rewarded."
The Penguins have had some disappointing misses. The first two times they missed the postseason after that 16-year run, it came down to the eve of the last game of the regular season, getting eliminated by the results of an out-of-town game while they could only sit and watch. They weren't nearly as close last year, getting eliminated with four games left to go.
Even last season, as the Penguins looked to be taking a slide in the wrong direction, Crosby's belief that he'd see an NHL playoff game again, with this team, never wavered.
"I know how hard it is. I think I understand that," he said. "You don't ever know. But I thought right from camp, we've had those intentions and had that belief. Our start was a good example of that. The belief was there, but it takes everybody. We've got a great group here, and just really happy to know that we're going back there."
The goal that Kyle Dubas has publicly stated a few times in the last couple years was to return to playoff contention while Crosby is still around. To do so with Crosby, and Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin was a loftier goal, especially with Malkin's contract expiring this season. But the core -- together, as a trio -- gets to return to the playoffs again after doing so for 16 straight seasons.
That's something that makes their teammates appreciate the upcoming opportunity that much more.
"I mean, they're they're legends, Hall of Famers, the G.O.A.T.S.," Stuart Skinner said of the three. "They've done so much in this league. It's seriously impressive how they just keep on going. They have so much success every single year. You know, it really, really takes a special person to be able to do that for a long time. And there's no sign of them slowing down."
It's a legacy that includes three Stanley Cups, countless milestones, awards and other individual achievements. And with a playoff spot secured, they'll have an opportunity to keep adding to that legacy this spring.
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