Flashback to a decade ago, when the Pittsburgh Penguins were at the top of the mountain, hoisting what was the first of their back-to-back Stanley Cup trophies with the best player in the world in the middle of his prime. Sidney Crosby scored 44 goals that season, dominating the league with his unique combination of grace and unbeaten effort.
Fast forward to the 2025-26 season and 38-year-old Crosby is projected to score between 44 and 53 goals. What kind of magic spell was cast on him?
It’s not rare in the NHL for players to continue their careers well into their thirties and even their forties. Jaromir Jágr played his final season with the Calgary Flames as a 46-year-old, for crying out loud. Unfortunately for those who can play into their middle ages, it’s common that their level of play drops dramatically. When you’re in your 30s and 40s, it’s almost inevitable that your stamina worsens, your body can’t take bumps like it used to and you simply aren’t good enough to keep up with the younger guys.
If Sidney Crosby wasn’t already a superhero, he’s proven it even more now.
The long-time Penguin captain is having a resurgence after an uninspired 2024-25 campaign, when his team finished with a lackluster 34-36-12 record and missed the playoffs entirely.
In 80 games played that year, Crosby scored 33 goals. In 51 games, he’s scored 27.
Not only is the Olympic gold medalist 10th in the league in goals scored this year, but he’s playing with a fire that’s catapulted his team back to playoff contention. Are they the overwhelming cup favourites they were 10 years ago? Maybe not, but the Penguins are still good enough to be second in the Metropolitan Division and have taken down some very talented teams in recent weeks.
Crosby is known for his otherworldly leadership skills on and off the ice, captaining not only the Penguins but also the Canadian national team at the Olympics and the Four Nations Faceoff. When one of your oldest players and your leader is having this type of season, it’s no surprise the passion has bled down to the rest of the roster. Even long-time teammates Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang have shown increased signs of life playing alongside Crosby.
In terms of skill and ability, Sid’s still got it. The 2025-26 season has been filled with highlight goals from the Cole Harbour native as he continues to light up opposing teams with incredible plays game after game. From mind blowing tips in front of the net to clutch go-ahead goals in crunch time, Crosby never fails to make it on the highlight tape.
Near the beginning of the season, it was rumoured that Sid might be involved in a trade or even wanted out of Pittsburgh after their subpar 2024-25 run. However, Penguins fans were able to take a deep breath after the captain stated “this is the place I want to be, I love it here.”
Crosby’s outstanding play this year is not only a great sign for the organization, but it stands as a sign to Pittsburgh fans that he wants to play for the city. Malkin also let it be known his desire to extend his career with the Penguins, as the Russian is even older than Crosby at age 39.
“I want everybody to see I can play next year,” Malkin said.
Both Crosby and Malkin have had extraordinary games this season, including some career nights from number 87. He accumulated numerous two-goal, one-assist games, including one on New Year’s Day when he torched the Red Wings, capped off by a beautiful power play goal that sent PPG Paint Arena into a frenzy.
Another outstanding performance came exactly a month earlier against the Philadelphia Flyers, where Crosby scored two goals on route to a 5-1 blowout in Philly, finishing the game as a plus two and five shots on goal.
Since their back-to-back Stanley Cup wins a decade ago, the Penguins have been at a deficit in terms of winning. For better or for worse, the franchise has put its trust in its veterans ever since, leading to mixed results filled with playoff appearances but nothing to take home. Crosby’s resurgence has marked a new era in Penguins hockey, as one that is seeing old faces reach the twilight of their careers, while trying to acclimate young and up-and-coming players at the same time. If the Penguins can get another two to three years of this production from their captain, there’s a chance that they can build something special in their coming seasons. If anybody’s proven they can lead a team to the top, it’s Crosby.
Sidney Crosby’s season has been nothing short of sensational so far. If he continues to play at the pace he’s at right now, there’s no telling how far he and his team can go as the playoffs roll around.