The Pittsburgh Penguins honored Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang before their home opener on Thursday against the New York Islanders.
Crosby, Malkin, and Letang became the first trio of teammates to play 20 seasons together. The three players were key reasons why Pittsburgh won the Stanley Cup in 2009, 2016, and 2017. Ahead of the Penguins’ home opener, the team shared a tribute video to the trio for playing together for 20 seasons.
It was a nice tribute to the three players, and after the Penguins’ 4-3 win over the Islanders, Malkin reflected on the video.
“It’s very special,” Malkin said to reporters after the game on Thursday. “Time is flying. I feel like 20 years ago, it’s one day. It’s amazing. Love to play with Sid and Tanger. Same team together 20 years. It’s special. People talk a lot about that. I try to do my best. Who knows? Maybe last year. I do my best and try to help the team to win. Sid, a special kid. Tanger, too. Lots of memories, lots of wins together. Keep going.”
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Malkin finished the game with three assists, while Sidney Crosby had a goal and an assist in the win. Letang, meanwhile, had a game-high 26:30 of ice time.
The Penguins are off to a 2-0 start to the season after defeating the New York Rangers 3-0 on the road on Tuesday. Pittsburgh returns to the ice at home on Saturday against the Rangers.
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Featured image via Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images