Sidney Crosby’s sublime start has earned him yet another All-Star Game appearance.
The Penguins captain was named as the team’s representative for the NHL’s midseason spectacle, which is slated for Feb. 3 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. It’s the 10th All-Star Game selection of Crosby’s career, which will give him the second-most appearances in franchise history, trailing only Mario Lemieux’s 13, should he play in the game.
While Crosby has been an All-Star Game selection nine other times in his career, he’s played in only five of the games due to previous injuries. In last year’s game, Crosby scored a pair of goals and assisted on another while his Metro Division team lost to that of the Atlantic.
This season, Crosby has the eighth-most goals (21) in the NHL despite recording only five on the power play. Crosby’s on track for 48 goals, which would be his highest single-season total since netting 51 in the 2009-10 campaign.
Not only has Crosby been excellent, but so too have his linemates. Jake Guentzel leads the Penguins in assists and points, no small feat considering he underwent ankle surgery just before the season.
Bryan Rust has also had a resurgent season skating mostly alongside Crosby. Current linemate Rickard Rakell has also enjoyed his best games this year when skating with Crosby, chipping in points in five of seven games since being activated from long-term injured reserve.
But it’s no question that it’s Crosby, 36, who’s been driving play for the Penguins’ top line in his 19th NHL season. His performances have caught the attention of the league, too, as evidenced by this latest All-Star Game nod.