Some NHL fans have been wondering if Father Time had finally caught up to “Sid the Kid” after a slow start to the 2026 season, but the legendary Pittsburgh Penguins center demonstrated his vintage greatness during the Frozen Frenzy. Despite a full Tuesday slate, Sidney Crosby managed to stand out in a road matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Pens left the United Center on the wrong side of a 5-3 outcome, their fourth loss in the last five games, but No. 87 impressed just the same. He put Pittsburgh at ease by scoring his first two goals of the campaign. Crosby tied the score about seven minutes into the first period, and then fired the equalizer on a rebound in the third.
Now in his age-39 season, Crosby is still showing exceptional awareness and a willingness to skate right into the fray when necessary. He ends a four-game stretch without a point and records the 655th goal of his illustrious NHL career. The three-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Conn Smythe Trophy winner is now just one away from tying Brendan Shanahan for 14th on the all-time list.
Alas, Teuvo Teravainen and Tyler Bertuzzi denied Crosby and the Penguins the right to celebrate, lighting the lamp late in the final period.