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'That's Something I Think Any Team Loves To See': Sidney Crosby Shares Thoughts & Experiences With Macklin Celebrini

max miller
·4 min read

San Jose Sharks star forward Macklin Celebrini grew up idolizing Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, and on Monday, the two will play against each other for the second time.

Related: The Kid Vs. Sid The Kid: Sharks' Celebrini Relishing The Chance To Face Sidney Crosby

When the Sharks visited the Penguins, Celebrini shared his thoughts of Crosby. On Monday, the roles reversed, and the future Hall of Famer gave his impressions of the 2024 No. 1 pick.

"I think he's having a great year. I think the more he plays, the more comfortable he gets, the more confident he gets, and he looks like he's having a lot of fun and playing good hockey. He's gonna be a big part of their team from now on," Crosby told reporters.

Celebrini has been on record saying his favorite play against Crosby was a battle play, which showcases the 18-year-old's dedication to the entire game.

"There's different reasons or different things that, as a young guy, you remember, and I guess he values the one-on-one battles and winning those and knows the importance of it," Crosby said. "You can tell that he's committed to playing both sides of the puck, and he cares a lot about being a two-way player. His skill and everything speaks for itself, but for a young player to be interested in playing on the other side of the puck and want to get better there, that's something I think any team loves to see."

Crosby said his first memory was being one-on-one against Martin Brodeur on his first career shift and was stopped on a chance to score with his first career shot. "

"I don't usually like missing those, but I remember in that moment, I was still pretty happy to be where I was at, to be in the NHL, playing against guys [I was] growing up watching," Crosby said.

Crosby then moved into his experience as a No. 1 pick on a losing team, just like Celebrini is with the San Jose Sharks.

"I think just enjoy it. Nobody likes losing, no matter if you're in your first year or your 20th year. This is the reason you play, to win games, and that's what it's about," Crosby said. "But I think for him, understanding that process, and he's a competitive guy, he wants to win every night. There's nothing wrong with that. That's how you have to be, but you just gotta enjoy it."

Crosby told reporters he'd skated with Celebrini over the summer and saw his work ethic. The first time the two were on the ice together was in the summer of 2023.

"I had met him before [we met in Las Vegas]. I think just seeing how he was doing, I think being able to relate to all the attention, all the demands, all the things that come with being in his position, it happens pretty quick. It's always a busy time leading up to your first year with a lot of expectations. I was more interested to see how he was doing with all that," Crosby said. "Really dynamic. [He] sees the ice well. Great shot. He does everything really well. You look at different guys; maybe their speed sticks out, or their shot, or their playmaking. I think he's just really solid in every one of those areas. And I think just from watching briefly, I think he's a guy that really takes a lot of pride in being a two-way guy, too."

Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks 4-3 in a shootout on Nov. 16.

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