(93.7 The Fan) For the last 14 years, the last two out of the tunnel to the ice for the Pittsburgh Penguins has been the same.
Sidney Crosby followed by Evgeni Malkin.
In 2005, before Malkin arrived, Crosby was the last one out.
Malkin claimed “three years super league” (the Russian professional league Malkin payed in prior to the NHL) and earned the last walk out spot over Crosby.
The order of Crosby-Malkin remained the same until Tuesday night when Crosby let new arrival Patrick Marleau follow him to the ice.
Crosby is a creature of habit and heavy superstition, and given the Penguins’ six game losing streak at the time, maybe it was time for a new superstition.
Marleau has played over 1,700 games in the NHL and has usually been near the back of the line.
It worked for the Penguins so far, as they would go on to beat the Ottawa Senators 7-3, Crosby himself had three points, including his 800th career assist.
With a win and a great performance from Crosby, the new walkout lineup might be sticking for the time being.