19 Years Later, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin Are Still The Best Duo In The NHL
Justin Berl. Getty Images.This is year 20 for Sidney Crosby. It's year 19 for Malkin. Fortunately for Sid, the only year he didn't get to play with Evgeni Malkin by his side, he had another all-time great to pair up with--Ryan Whitney. Also, Mario Lemieux was out there with him as well.
For 19 years, Crosby and Malkin have completely dominated together. There have been plenty of great duos to come through the NHL over the years. Duos like Gretzky and Kurri, Lemieux and Jagr, Mike Bossy and Bryan Trottier. Very few duos have been more productive than Crosby and Malkin have been together. They've combined now for over 1000 career goals, close to 3000 points, they've won 3 Cups together, a combined 3 Hart Trophies, 4 Art Ross Trophies, 2 Rocket Richards, and 3 Conn Smythes. And no duo has ever done it as long as Crosby and Malkin have been doing it. Besides Crosby's rookie season, these two have been together every step of the way.
Which is why last night made so much sense. Sidney Crosby entered last night's game needing just 1 more point to hit 1600 on his career. Evgeni Malkin entered last night's game needing just 1 more goal to hit 500 in his career. On the Penguins' first goal of the night, both Crosby and Malkin picked up an assist giving Sid #1600.
One milestone down, one more to go.
3rd period. Tie game. Quick flashback to February 15th, 2022 real quick. It was a tie game at home against the Flyers. With 3:26 left in the first period, Evgeni Malkin feeds one over to Sidney Crosby to pick up the lone assist on Crosby's 500th career goal.
3:26 into the 3rd period last night, Sidney Crosby finds Malkin on this give&go to pick up the lone assist on Malkin's 500th career goal.
Disgusting pass from Sid. Great effort from Malkin to put home his own rebound. Awesome moment for the Pens to all fly off the bench to celebrate with Geno. Only the 2nd duo in NHL history to each hit the 500 mark together as teammates.
And considering Gretzky was a total cheat code, it makes Crosby and Malkin's that much more impressive. But they weren't done for the night. Regulation ended 5-5 so it's off to overtime we go. A minute and a half into overtime…who else but Sidney Crosby picking up the first goal of his 20th season.
A goal and 3 assists on the night for Malkin. A goal and 2 assists on the night for Crosby. 39 combined years in the league for these two, and they put up a combined 7 points on the night including a couple major milestones. If you're a fan of hockey, then you're a fan of these two.