PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It became a viral clip Saturday of a few tears running down Sidney Crosby’s cheek as he watched a highlight video of the 2015-16 Stanley Cup champion Penguins.
“A lot of love for these guys and I think seeing some of those clips, you forget,” Crosby said after the 6-5 win over the Rangers. “You play years after that and you forget some of those moments and I think they just, they bring back a lot of great memories and it's just awesome to see. ... Just a lot of emotions but at the same time just great memories."
Crosby was joined by a majority of the players, and head coach and general manager, from that team before faceoff against the Rangers on Saturday. They were introduced one-by-one and lined up perpendicular to center ice. Even Mike Sullivan, now coaching the Rangers, got a loud ovation.
Not typically one to show a lot of emotion, Crosby was asked if having a few tears flow surprised him?
"No,” Crosby said. “I love that group. I love playing. I love the experiences and the memories that I have. That's how it comes out. You don't see those moments all the time. It's not like I watch those on YouTube. So when you see them, they tend to hit you a little harder the older you get."
“It’s pretty cool,” said first-year Pens goalie Stuart Skinner, who has been to the finals the last couple of seasons. “What an accomplishment for this group of guys. Every time you go to the Stanley Cup Finals, especially for teams that win, the stories that you have. The comradery that you have with the guys. You bled for each other throughout that year.”
“I’m sure it’s really cool for these guys to get together. It’s really cool that I’m in the same dressing room as Stanley Cup champions.”
“I think for everybody involved, it’s a proud day for the organization,” said Pens head coach Dan Muse. “For the fans, for the city, I remember watching it on TV. I’m standing there, I’m getting goose bumps the entire time that video is playing. I’m so happy for the guys.”
“Championships are so hard to come by. They are so hard to win. I’ve said it before, but the history of this organization it is amazing how special it is. You think about it a little when you come to a place like this, but now that you are 50-something games into my first season, you feel it so much.”
“What it means to the players now. What it means to the former players. What it means to the fans, to the city. A day like today, we needed to get this win. We needed to make it a special day. We needed the points, for sure, but I think on a day like today, I think there is some extra meaning.”
“It’s exciting having these guys back here 10 years later celebrating,” said veteran Noel Acciari. “We didn’t want to disappoint them with a loss. We were able to get that so they can keep their party going for the weekend.”