By Kristen Anderson
https://calgaryherald.com/sports/hockey/nhl/calgary-flames/crosbys-overtime-stunner-against-the-oilers-talk-of-cowtown/wcm/7342c4b3-5900-45ab-ad37-f13e6a228e55
October 25, 2018
Pittsburgh Penguins Sidney Crosby lifts the puck over Edmonton Oilers goalie Cam Talbot to score in overtime Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2018 at Rogers Place.
It had nothing to do with the fact they are in hockey-crazed Canada.
Or that National Hockey League highlights are just a click away.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, themselves, wanted to re-live Sidney Crosby’s most recent jaw-dropping, how-the-heck-does-he-do-that performance and showed the team the footage from Tuesday’s 6-5 overtime stunner over the Edmonton Oilers.
The video session — which, by the way, is worth watching and dissecting as a teaching tool for any team or player at any level — was just the latest example of the things No. 87 is capable of.
“It just shows why he’s the best in the world,” said linemate Jake Guentzel, the Penguins dressing room still buzzing less than 24 hours later. “I mean, just the way he separates the ‘D’ and his stick-handling ability is so unique. It’s special to, see, for sure. And to be able to put it home after that move?
“Unbelievable.”
That’s one word to describe Crosby’s ability which, even after 871 regular-season games, 160 post-season clashes and three Stanley Cups, still has the capability of making grown men giddy.
“Am I surprised he’s able to score that goal? No,” said Jack Johnson, who was on the ice during the three-on-three action and had a front-row seat for Crosby’s latest magician’s act. “But seeing him do those things never gets old, you know what I mean? It’s special every time.”
Special, yes. Also, nerve-wracking.
Because, as Johnson explains, when Crosby has the puck at any time, there’s pressure for teammates to get open, get their stick on the ice, and be ready.
“If you get open, he’s probably going to find you or probably going to see you,” Johnson said. “At the very least, you’re going to open up some more space for him. So, you can’t get caught just watching him. (Tuesday night) I was just trying to get open for him and the next thing you know, he’s going through everybody.
“When we watched it on video this morning, it was just as good as what I thought it was.”
The spin — a rapid change of direction to evade Ryan Strome in the corner.
The stick-handling — a quick move to sneak the puck between Strome’s legs.
The power — to drive to the net between Darnell Nurse and Strome.
And, of course, the shot — a slick backhand over the glove of Oilers goalie Cam Talbot.
“When I see him do it, it’s always his strength on the puck and strength on his skates,” Johnson said. “I mean, he’s got two guys on him and a defenceman leaning on him and trying to push him off the puck. For me, as a player, it’s his strength that is the most impressive.”
As for Crosby, his two-goal performance was remarkably his first pair of markers through seven games this season. He has five assists and seven points in seven games, a relatively quiet start.
But what a way to finally hit the scoresheet.
“Counts as one,” said the ever-humble 31-year-old with a shrug. “Doesn’t matter how pretty they are. It’s nice to get ones like that, it’s probably been a while since I’ve got a nice one like that. I’ll take it. I don’t know where you rank them but it’s been a while.”
Guentzel chuckled when asked if they practised his move during Wednesday’s skate at Scotiabank Saddledome.
“Uh,” he chortled. “No. No one else can do that.”
INTO THE GROOVE
Prior to Tuesday’s overtime win against the Oilers, the last time the Penguins were in action was the previous Thursday.
That’s four nights off which, for creatures of habit like National Hockey Leaguers, can disrupt a rhythm.
But nothing gets a group back in the groove like a 6-5 stunner, just in time to square off with the Calgary Flames on Thursday.
“Especially at the start of the year, you’re craving to play games and get games in fairly often,” said Penguins captain Crosby of the wonky schedule. “We haven’t really had that to start the year, we’ve had some pretty long breaks. You’re trying to get out of training camp mode and those habits.”
The Penguins practised for two days in Banff before heading to Edmonton for Tuesday’s game and back to Calgary for a skate on Wednesday. They’ll wrap up their Western Canadian road swing on Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks.
“It’ll be good to get a stretch of games here and get some rhythm and get into that game mode,” Crosby said. “We want to really build some momentum here.”
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