It's rare to see Sidney Crosby show much emotion so it was striking to see his eyes tear up on Saturday night.
The Pittsburgh Penguins captain said he was moved by all the tributes from friends, family and NHL peers in commemoration of playing his 1,000th NHL game.
From one Nova Scotian NHLer to another, congratulations. pic.twitter.com/tZwpwW6IVn
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 21, 2021
"I think with different experiences I've had, I've always tried to treat it like a regular day and that was pretty much impossible today, just with the way that everyone treated me and all the little things," he said later that night. "It probably wasn't easy for guys to even prepare for the game and to get ready with all the stuff leading up to it. I think just hearing from old teammates by text or on the videos and sharing it with all the guys here, there are so many things."
The 33-year-old from Cole Harbour tried to stay stoic through most of the video speeches but couldn't quite keep it together when long-time teammates and close friends Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang paid him their compliments.
"We've been through so much together," Crosby said. "To be able to play here together and to basically come in as young players trying to figure things out, go through what we've gone through, whether it be individually with injuries and being there to support each other and win championships together, there's a lot of history there and a lot of great memories.
"To know that they were a part of tonight and just for all those things to kind of come back and to think about and reflect on all those things, it was definitely hard to keep it together. It didn't help when I looked over and saw Geno (Malkin) having a hard time, too. It was just a really special day and a special night and those guys are a big reason for it."
Crosby watched the personalized videos on a red carpet beside girlfriend Kathy Leutner. Countless current NHL greats like Alex Ovechkin, Connor McDavid and Brad Marchand were among those who offered kind words, as well as retired legends like Mario Lemieux and Steve Yzerman, a soft-spoken but respected gentleman of the game who Crosby has always identified as something of a kindred spirit.
A message from Crosby’s favorite player to ours ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/1ZGPsiXypi
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 21, 2021
"He was a role model for me growing up," Crosby said. "I loved the way that he played the game and the way that he carried himself. He obviously played on winning teams and great teams but I remember my first year I was really excited to be playing against them. At the time he had an eye injury and he didn't play that night but I remember getting on the bus after the game and I got a call and it was him, just saying that he wished he would've been able to get out there that night and play against me.
"He wished me all the best and good luck. I was always a big fan of him but that was just an unbelievable move and a lot of class. It's something I'll always remember so it's pretty special seeing him on a video here tonight."
The tributes did not stop with the pre-recorded messages. Crosby's teammates all came out for warmup in No. 87 Crosby jerseys and gave him a hearty chuckle when they mimicked one of his many pre-game rituals of stopping just outside the blue line to tighten his laces.
"As far as seeing all the guys in 87 jerseys, I didn't see that one coming," Crosby said. "It's a little odd when you first see it but it just reminds you of how special the night is. To see them all tying their skates at the same time, I had a really good laugh. I didn't expect that, that was pretty good."
The superstitions are definitely real. pic.twitter.com/GekmGff5iO
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 20, 2021
The Penguins, fittingly, went on to win the game with Crosby setting up two goals. He is the only player ever to appear in 1,000 games for Pittsburgh and it was clear the recognition meant a great deal to the humble superstar who famously does not seek extra attention or special treatment.
"It means a lot," he said. "lt's a special day regardless of the outcome but it makes it so much better when you win. Just everything - from the guys, the ceremony in the room and on the ice - I was completely spoiled today. It was a pretty awesome experience and a day that I'll always remember. It's even sweeter that we were able to win."
