The Pittsburgh Penguins began their 2023-24 season on Tuesday with a 4-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, who scored four unanswered goals. However, during the game, the Penguins accomplished a historic feat.
Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang played together for their 18th consecutive season, setting a record in North American sports. This trio surpassed the previous record, held by the New York Yankees’ Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, and Mariano Rivera, who played together for 17 consecutive seasons.
In Pittsburgh, these three players have achieved significant success. With Crosby, Malkin, and Letang leading the way, the Penguins won the Stanley Cup in 2009, 2016, and 2017.
“I’ve always believed that these guys are the greatest core that I’ve witnessed,” said Penguins coach Mike Sullivan. “They’re in elite company, like the Yankees trio you mentioned. These guys are generational talents. But they also bring other intangibles to the table and represent everything that’s great about hockey.”
Crosby, Malkin, and Letang started playing together in the 2006-07 season, one year after Crosby’s debut in the NHL. Both Crosby and Malkin were No. 1 picks, with Crosby being selected first overall in 2005 and Malkin being the top pick in the previous year.
“It’s truly special. There’s no other way to describe it,” added Crosby. “It’s not easy, with so much turnover in teams nowadays. It’s uncommon for players to stay with the same team. The fact that we were able to do that is really special.”
“You appreciate it. You’re grateful for it, and hopefully, we have a few more years together.”
All three players are signed for at least the next two seasons, and with the addition of defenseman Erik Karlsson in the offseason, the team aims to make more Stanley Cup runs.
