Pittsburgh, PA – Before a packed house at PPG Paints Arena on Saturday, January 31, 2026, Sidney Crosby, the Pittsburgh Penguins' esteemed captain, allowed his emotions to surface during a pre-game tribute celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the team's 2016 Stanley Cup victory. The moving ceremony, held prior to the Penguins' game against the New York Rangers, brought back a flood of memories for Crosby and his teammates.
As the lights dimmed and a video montage of the 2016 championship run played on the videoboard, Crosby, standing at center ice alongside fellow core members Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, couldn't hold back the tears. The video showcased iconic moments from that unforgettable season, including Nick Bonino's series-clinching overtime goal against Washington, Bryan Rust's pivotal goal in Game 7 against Tampa Bay, and Letang's Cup-winning goal against San Jose, assisted by Crosby himself.
"I love the experiences and the memories that I have," Crosby said, reflecting on the tribute. "That's how it comes out. You don't see those moments all the time. It's not like I watch those on YouTube. So when you see them, they tend to hit you a little harder the older you get". Crosby, now 38, acknowledged that as time passes, the significance of those memories only intensifies.
The reunion wasn't just a trip down memory lane for Crosby. It was a chance to reconnect with teammates who have since moved on to different chapters in their lives. Among those in attendance were key figures from the 2016 team, including former head coach Mike Sullivan, now the coach of the New York Rangers, and former general manager Jim Rutherford, currently the president of hockey operations for the Vancouver Canucks. Other notable attendees included Marc-Andre Fleury, Chris Kunitz, Pascal Dupuis, Patric Hornqvist, Carl Hagelin, and Nick Bonino.
Crosby expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share those special moments with his former teammates. "It's just a lot of love for these guys," the captain said. "I think seeing some of those clips play years after, they bring back a lot of good memories. I love that group, and I loved all of the memories with them, so that's how it comes out". He also noted the unique bond that exists between players who have won championships together. "I think 10 years goes by and guys go different ways, but when you get together, it feels like it was yesterday you were playing together," Crosby stated. "So, I think that's the cool part about it. It's a great dynamic and just fun to tell old stories and just be with the guys".
Bryan Rust echoed Crosby's sentiments, emphasizing the strong brotherhood that was forged during that memorable 2016 season. "We were hockey players, and that's our goal: to win Stanley Cups," Rust said. "To be able to do this, and do that with the group that we had and all the amazing memories, it brings back so many smiles. It brings back happy tears". Tom Kuhnhackl described the "instant goosebumps" he felt upon stepping back onto the ice in front of the Pittsburgh fans, highlighting the city's hard-working spirit and the unforgettable connection between the team and its supporters.
The Penguins went on to defeat the New York Rangers 6-5, adding another layer of excitement to an already emotional night. The victory served as a fitting tribute to the 2016 Stanley Cup champions and a testament to the enduring legacy of that remarkable team.