Crosby Named Penguins MVP: ‘I Hope Everyone Knows How Much I Love It’

For the 10th time in his career, the Pittsburgh Penguins named captain Sidney Crosby as their team MVP. The honor came one day after the NHLPA poll named him the “Most Complete Player” and best role model.

Only Mario Lemieux (12) has more team MVPs than Crosby.

Crosby also won the Player’s Player award. The award is Crosby’s fourth Players’ Player award. He also won the award in 2017-18, ’18-19, and ’20-21.

“It means a lot. You know, I love playing. I love going out every day and being with the team, and that hasn’t changed since Day 1. So, I’m honored to be named MVP, and I hope everyone realizes just how much I love it and how much I love being a part of the team.”

The Players’ Player Award is awarded to the player teammates feel exemplifies leadership for the team both on and off the ice and who is dedicated to teamwork.

In his 17th season, the 34-year-old Crosby leads the Pittsburgh Penguins with 84 points. The captain is on pace to lead the team in scoring for the 12th time in his career, surpassing Lemieux (11) for the most such seasons in franchise history.

Sidney Crosby has averaged a point per game or higher (1.24 PTS/GM) for the 17th straight season, trailing only Wayne Gretzky for the most seasons with a point per game or higher in league history.

Crosby reached several milestones this season, including scoring his 500th goal last month. With his 30-goal season, Crosby joined Lemieux (11) and Jaromir Jagr (10) as the only Penguins to hit the 30-goal mark 10-plus times. Nine of his 31 goals this season were game-winners.

This season, Crosby has carried the Penguins, especially without Evgeni Malkin who was absent until February after offseason knee surgery. At various points throughout the season, his line has been responsible for 40% or more of the team’s offense. In 68 games, Crosby has 84 points (31-53-84).

In Elliotte Friedman’s latest 31 Thoughts column for Sportsnet, Friedman placed Crosby in the top five of his Hart Trophy balloting.