Crosby Expresses Frustration and Desperation Ahead of High-Stakes Game

Prior to Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins could secure their playoff spot with victories over the struggling Chicago Blackhawks that same night and the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday. Instead, they were defeated 5-2 by the Hawks, leaving their playoff hopes in the hands of the New York Islanders, who could take the final spot in the East with a win over the Montreal Canadiens tonight. If the Canadiens do them this great service, Pittsburgh can only hope for a win in Columbus on Thursday.

When asked if their playoff streak was in jeopardy, captain Sidney Crosby could only be candid about the next few hours.

“It’s not a great feeling. I think it’s a situation where you just gotta make the best of it and prepare the same way today, and hope that we get another chance.”

Sidney Crosby, on dealing with the uncertainty over these next few hours: “It’s not a great feeling. I think it’s a situation where you just gotta make the best of it and prepare the same way today, and hope that we get another chance.”

— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) April 12, 2023

Crosby prefers to forget about last night’s poor performance and concentrate on what can be accomplished in the final game of the season.

“You just gotta move by it, and hope that we get another opportunity here. It’s one of those things, you just gotta mentally prepare as if you’re going to get that opportunity.”

Sidney Crosby, on how the team moves forward after last night: “You just gotta move by it, and hope that we get another opportunity here. It’s one of those things, you just gotta mentally prepare as if you’re going to get that opportunity.”

— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) April 12, 2023

This must be difficult for a veteran like Crosby, as well as forward Evgeni Malkin and defenseman Kris Letang.

The threat of missing out is real. If the Penguins do not earn a postseason invitation, it will be only the second time in Crosby’s career that the team has done so…The last time this happened was during Sid’s rookie season in 2005-06.

Penguins’ problems:

• Can’t trust goaltending
• Blue line = bad
• Bottom six = Even worse
• GM = Incompetent
• Too slow
• Too small
• Too many players with no heart
• Bad contracts for years
• Too old
• Coaching stubbornness

This is just off top of my head.

— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) April 12, 2023

Without a doubt, the Penguins will be watching the Islanders-Canadiens game tonight!

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Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine

I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!

@igorburdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

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