While Cam York was throwing his stick into the crowd in Pittsburgh, Sidney Crosby was already skating down the ice to check on Arturs Silovs.
The captain of the Penguins didn’t go to his team’s bench. He didn’t head to the locker room. He went directly to his young goalie.
The 25-year-old from Latvia had just seen the puck go past his glove in overtime, ending the season.
Jimmy Murphy shared the moment live. Crosby was the first player from Pittsburgh to comfort Silovs.
There was no crew setting up a shot. Just a captain doing what he’s supposed to do.
The 38-year-old ended this series with 5 points over 5 games. The star of the team had given it his all to bring the series back to Pittsburgh but still fell one win short.
He could have skated in the opposite direction. Most superstars would. The handshake line after a loss is tough enough without being the first to face the young player who just took a big defeat.
Silovs played in 2 games in this series. The 25-year-old goalie had an . 887 save percentage during the regular season.
He was put into a playoff series that many experienced players struggle to handle. Crosby made sure he didn’t walk away alone.
What this shows about Crosby as the team stands at a turning point
The Penguins are now completely out of the 2026 playoffs.
This summer in Pittsburgh will be buzzing with tough decisions about contracts and changes to the team, as there will be many things waiting on the desks of the front office.
Crosby is 38 and nearing the end of his playing career.
He is still the captain, though. He continues to be the moral leader of a team that has seen its chance for success shrink each year since their last championship.
Tonight, he reminded everyone watching why he is such a great player.
A player from the other team is poking a stick into the seats. The captain from his own team goes straight to the goalie.
These two moments will be shown together in highlight reels for many years to come.
Crosby’s contract lasts until the end of next season. What he decides to do next will have a big impact. The way he left the ice tonight shows he still wants to lead until someone takes the C off his jersey.
Summer has just begun in Pittsburgh. The captain made sure it kicked off in a good way.
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