Sydney Crosby continues to overcome frustration

Winning the Stanley Cup in 2016 and 2017 now seems out of reach in the mind and mind of Sydney Crosby, whose Pittsburgh penguins find themselves on vacation.

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Again this year, the team led by coach Mike Sullivan did not look old in the qualifiers. As was the case in the previous two seasons, you couldn’t win a single round. In 2019, the “pens” were swept away by New Yorkers and this spring bowed in front of them again, losing 5-3 in the sixth and final match of the Premier League. Turn, Wed.

Indeed, some observers have raised the possibility of the big names leaving West Pennsylvania. However, Crosby still believed in this group of players including Evgeny Malkin and Christopher Letang, two other regulars long-term players in the Stanley Cup qualifiers.

“They’ve been talking about this for four years, haven’t they?” So I don’t know if they’re going to change their minds, tell NHL.com number 87 about those killer birds predicting leaving Pittsburgh. The most I can say is that I really don’t know. Nevertheless, I know that the three of us want to win and will do whatever is necessary to take part in the fighting every year. “

“In my opinion, there is no doubt that this group is very good. We had a chance here and that is why this defeat is so painful.

Stubborn opponents

Against the second best defensive club in the regular season in the National League, the Penguins ran into trouble, especially Crosby. The latter closed in three games in a row and ended the series with two points. His teammates Malki and Letang performed better, with five and six points, respectively.

“I still believe in them. It’s the best core of players I have managed to date. They are a group of passionate men, talented from one generation to the next. They can compete at a very high level and prove that in every match.

Despite these compliments, nothing guarantees long-term happiness and general manager of the Penguins Ron Hextal will have to make decisions. The All-Star trio hasn’t gotten younger and it’s expensive. Crosby receives an average of $ 8.7 million per campaign, but most importantly, the Russian and Quebec will qualify for full independence in 2022.

“I haven’t tried to play for GM and I will not start now,” said Captain of the Penguins. These players want to win, they’ve been together for a long time. I know their commitment and interest in victory. I will never doubt that. “