Penguins Room: Crosby in No Mood to Enjoy Record; Rust Delivers Colorful Takes

BUFFALO, NY. — The Pittsburgh Penguins were embarrassed by the Buffalo Sabres 7-3 Thursday at Key Bank Center.

The game was the latest show of unraveling as the veteran team grappled with their new reality, careening toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference. They raged against the dying of the light, but as the wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight learned too late, they grieved it on its way. 

Buffalo took advantage of bad defense on the first shift of the game, and Tage Thompson converted a two-on-one when he snapped a high wrister over goalie Tristan Jarry just 27 seconds into the game.

The air immediately left the Penguins’ bench, and most of the remaining 59 minutes and 33 seconds were a slog.

The highlight was at 11:11 of the first period (1-1-1-1 in the 1st) when captain Sidney Crosby staked yet another claim to be mentioned with hockey’s immortals. He completed a feat no other player has accomplished, not even Wayne Gretzky, when he ripped a shot past Buffalo goalie James Reimer.

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The goal meant Crosby secured his 20th consecutive season with at least a point per game. Gretzky only did it 19 times. Crosby is now alone in the longevity of that elite level of production.

His parents and long-time girlfriend, Kathy Leutner, were in the seats to witness the moment. To quote Mike Lange, they were smiling like a butcher’s dog.

“It’s remarkable. He’s in such rare company. With every milestone that he crosses, it just puts him in more elite company than he’s already in,” said coach Mike Sullivan. “When you think in terms of 20 seasons in a row with such consistency, it’s an amazing accomplishment. It doesn’t surprise me because he knows how hard he works and how hard he trains. He controls everything within his power to set himself up for success, and ultimately the team.”

However, following the game, Crosby was absorbing the loss. It was a brutal gut punch that humbled the team that is so important to him. Much like when he struggled for words when he scored his 600th career goal in a 6-1 loss to Utah Hockey Club, this milestone was overshadowed by the game for the hockey’s ultimate team player.

“It’s hard right now, after a loss like that. But, yeah … I think there’s a lot of guys who contributed to that,” Crosby said. “I’m thankful for a lot of the guys I’ve played with who contributed to it. It’s a special milestone, but I play to win.”

More than a few players should also thank Crosby for contributing to their careers … leading to more than a few big paychecks along the way.

Yet Crosby’s words were barely audible as assembled media tried to avoid talking about the beatdown he just suffered on the ice. The Penguins trailed 7-1 in the third period, and their only goal was his.

Perhaps one day, well into the future, he’ll reflect fondly on the achievement without associating it with the team getting pummeled. However, for a player who thrives on winning, not records, Thursday night won’t be the night he enjoys it.

Bryan Rust

After Crosby scored the goal in the first period, he was customarily greeted by his teammates. Winger Bryan Rust, who has assisted on his share of Crosby’s goals over the last few seasons and set up plenty of others, tried to take a happier tone.

Rust praised Crosby, dropping in some PG-13 language, then apologizing for it with a mischievous smile.

“I think that just goes to show you what kind of person he is, his work ethic, (and) his give-a-shit meter,” Rust said before apologizing for the language. “Sorry for swearing, but that’s what it is. I think to have him around and be around him has been extremely special for me. I think down the line, it will be extremely cool to reminisce, and say I played with probably the best player ever.”

As the season grinds to its conclusion, Rust has been one of the players at the forefront, preaching and practicing the necessary level of dedication to be successful. When Crosby scored, Rust raced over and slapped his helmet and back several times, laughing and pushing him toward the bench. Rust wore a bigger smile than the player who just set the record.

Rust didn’t even earn a point on the goal, but that didn’t matter. He, too, marvels at Crosby chugging along at age 37.

“Yeah, outside of the gray hair, I don’t think anyone would be able to tell,” Rust said.