Pittsburgh Penguins: Sidney Crosby Up To Challenge Of Three-Peat
The Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby welcome the challenge of becoming the first NHL team to win three straight Stanley Cups in over 30 years.
Winning a Stanley Cup is very hard. In order to do so, not only do you have to be at worst average during the regular season, but you have to be outstanding in the postseason. The cost? A short summer. But the benefit? You become immortalized as a champion.
The Pittsburgh Penguins know that feeling well. Last year, even without Kris Letang, they became the first NHL team of the salary cap era to win back-to-back championships. The last team to do it? The Detroit Red Wings, who did it in 1997 and 1998.
But why stop at two? The Penguins and star captain Sidney Crosby have another goal in mind, one which hasn’t been done in over 30 years. Win three consecutive Stanley Cups.
Crosby on a 3peat: "It's going to be tough, but we're going to training camp with that in mind. It'll be a big challenge, but why not?"
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) August 7, 2017
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Winning a third straight title would confirm the Penguins are a dynasty. And not just a modern day one. The last team to win three straight NHL championships? None other than the New York Islanders, who did it from 1981 to 1983. While the Edmonton Oilers came close by winning five in seven seasons, the Montreal Canadiens (1986) and Calgary Flames (1989) spoiled their chances.
However, as Crosby said, why not the Penguins? They’ll enter the 2017-18 season as the overwhelming favorites, and rightfully so. While being the favorites doesn’t guarantee you anything (just ask the Washington Capitals), it shows they have a championship caliber team.
Sure, the Penguins have to address their third line center issue. But they have until the 2018 trade deadline to do it. Goaltender Matthew Murray has been sensational so far in his career, but the 2017-18 season will most likely be his first starting over 50 games. He’s never done this at any level. Murray will likely be fine, but it’s something to keep an eye on.
Next: Sidney Crosby Top 5 Career Moments
The Penguins are a champion with flaws. But between Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel and Letang, they have enough elite talent to overcome it. Being flawed didn’t keep them from winning the past two Stanley Cups. And it might not be enough to keep them from joining the Islanders in hockey immortality.