The Pittsburgh Penguins have been in sensational form this season. While they won their opening game against the New York Rangers, no one expected them to be as dominant as they have been over the past six weeks. Sidney Crosby has been a significant contributor to this success.

The Penguins’ captain has scored 20 points across 17 games to put the franchise in the top half of the Metropolitan Division. However, with Pittsburgh missing their last three playoffs, Crosby isn’t one to get complacent and already has some immediate goals for his teammates.

What Did Sidney Crosby Have to Say to the Penguins?

The Penguins entered this season with a chip on their shoulder. The once perennial title contenders have been reduced to a bottom-tier team over the past few seasons. So when the Penguins won their season opener against the Rangers, no one thought much about it.

But soon enough, it was obvious that the Pittsburgh veterans were out to change the narrative this season. While Crosby continued his phenomenal form from last season, when he scored 91 points, others, such as Rickard Rakell, have also been impressive.

However, it was his longtime linemate, Evgeni Malkin, who stole the show, as the center has been in form no one had seen from him since his 2022 playoff run. But while the rest of the team basks in their wins, Crosby has something to say to his teammates.

Crosby understands just how easily the rug could be pulled from under their feet. So in a recent interview with RG, he mentioned, “Our work ethic, every day. We’ve got to make sure that we’re willing to outwork teams. That’s got to be our identity.”

He believes that while they might not be on top anymore, their work ethic will be what makes them stand out from the other teams. Crosby is already performing in top form, and other Penguins stars are also pulling their weight in what is looking like a good season.

While many experts believe that the Penguins would soon run out of gas, Crosby has something else in mind. “I think we’ve established that we’re a hard-working team, and when we do that, we can compete with anybody,” he told RG.

He continued, “So I think just building off of that and hopefully every game we get a little sharper.” Crosby has already led the franchise to three Stanley Cups and multiple playoff runs in his 21-year career as a Pittsburgh player.

According to him, as long as the younger players continue giving it their best and maintain their work ethic, the Penguins can pull off an upset.