Sidney Crosby Explains How Penguins Can Compete For Playoff Spot

The Pittsburgh Penguins have missed the playoffs in three straight seasons, and captain Sidney Crosby is hoping to end that drought.

Crosby has spent his entire career with the Penguins and has helped the team win three Stanley Cups. Yet, Pittsburgh appears to be entering a rebuild as the team begins to get younger. Although the Penguins are younger, Crosby remains confident Pittsburgh can make the playoffs as long as they play consistently throughout the season.

“I think any team will tell you it’s just consistency,” Crosby said to NHL.com. “I mean, we had stints last year when we won five or six in a row, and then we dropped five or six in a row. So, if we can find a little bit more consistency.

“I think there’s going to be opportunities for some young guys, so if young guys can come in and make an impact right away, that would be great,” Crosby added. “But at the same time, it’s competition. It’s healthy competition, I think, for jobs. Whoever earns those spots, that’s who’s going to get the opportunity, so I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I think that’s good as far as urgency and things like that.”

Crosby said the goal every year is to make the playoffs and go on a deep playoff run, regardless of the outside noise.

“I don’t really have any different expectations going into Game 1,” Crosby said. “I think the challenge is maybe a little bit different. The challenge is, when you win, reinvesting the next year. The challenge is, when you didn’t make the playoffs, getting back. That’s the way I look at it. We want to get back there.”

Ultimately, the goal for Crosby is to continue to play well and help Pittsburgh win hockey games. He’s coming off a year where he had 33 goals and 58 assists for 91 points in 80 games last season.

Pittsburgh opens its 2025-26 NHL season Oct. 7 against the New York Rangers.

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