Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin to miss Stanley Cup Playoffs first time in 16 years, NHL Twitter reacts

This’ll be the first time that two legends of the game will be missing the 2023 Stanley Cup race. Pens Sidney Crosby and Caps Alex Ovechkin had to effectively see their chance of playoff contention get cut short in hands of the NY Islanders and Florida Panthers.

It’s been nearly 16 years since the Pittsburgh Penguins have lost to participate in any playoff games, the last being in the 2005-06 season. Social media is under fire both as teams’ generational players will miss out on the Stanley season, despite their outstanding efforts in the 2022-23 regular games.

While the Capitals had long been cut out of the playoff race, the Islanders dealt the last blow to the Penguins this week. The NY Islanders defeated the Montreal Canadiens to a 4-2 victory, clinching the final wild card spot in Eastern Conference.

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Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin to be viewers rather than participants in 2023 Stanley Cup race

 The Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs are now the top NHL teams to continue their longest playoff streak, cutting Pens in the process. It’s definitely a difficult time for the Pens trio, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, who have been at the helm almost since the beginning.

These three have carried on the game to a long run, ultimately falling to their worst rival on Wednesday. Unfortunately, the team could not honor the efforts of the three veteran players this season. Fans have been bashing the team, especially GM Ron Hextall. 

Since his 2021 start, he has made some significant changes on the team roster that failed to produce any results in the end. People are calling out to Hextall, to leave his job and pack his bag out of the organization. Sadly, fans have all the right to bash the team, seeing how not only the Pens but also the Caps miss out on the playoff run.

The Penguins hold up 90 standing points in the season, while the Islanders secured a solid 93 to win over the final wild-card spot. The Penguins could have had a fighting chance if they managed to defeat Chicago Blackhawks, but failed to do so.

As of now, the franchise has 3 Stanley Cup championships in four appearances, and 5 division titles, adorned with countless unforgettable memories that played a part in their greatest playoff streak. While Crosby recently reached 1,500 point-mark, Alex Ovechkin also chased and conquered a few of Wayne Gretzky’s titles.

While the run for Gretzky’s record is still in process, Ovechkin and his team will have to take a viewer role in the upcoming Stanley Cup race. For the first time since 2014, they’ll not be a participant, as Ovie and his team will be busy preparing for their future course. 

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