(Video) “That’s the leader,” Sidney Crosby and Kyle Connor fight ENERGIZES Penguins in game against Jets, fans react

Sidney Crosby getting up for a fight surprises NHL, while his actions motivate the whole team in the game against Jets.

(Video) “That’s the leader,” Sidney Crosby and Kyle Connor fight ENERGIZES Penguins in game against Jets, fans react

Sidney Crosby and Kyle Connor [Image Credit: Imago/Winnipeg Free Press]

The first shift of the third period of Friday’s game witnessed a rare sight in the NHL. Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby dropped gloves against Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor after a heated exchange.

Crosby confronted Connor following a hard check from the Jets player. It all started with cross-checking each other to fist fight until the on-ice officials broke them apart. Both of them received penalties for the exchange, while Crosby received an additional minor for cross-checking.

YouTube video

Fans in the arena and on the internet were stunned to see ‘The Next One’ Sidney Crosby drop gloves on the ice. During his illustrious 20-year career, it was his 9th time in a fight. He is usually known to avoid physical confrontations and take a more designed approach.

FS Video

However, his actions motivated the lagging Penguins both on and off the ice. While his teammates felt bad for having Crosby led up a fight, they were grateful for the motivation it provided.

I think he definitely motivated the whole bench. I think that was the best period of the night, was that third. We played with energy. We played fast and straightforward. So, you never want to see Sid fight, obviously. But he definitely brought the energy for us, and that’s the leader he is.

Michael Bunting as per Antonio Losada of Athlon Sports.com

Even Penguins defenceman Matt Grzelcyk commented how the fight brought everyone’s attention to Crosby. He felt sorry that they had to put their captain “in a position where he feels he has to do that.”

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Team’s rookie Owen Pickering expressed how much he admires what Sidney Crosby does both on and off the ice. He feels he knows why Crosby is known as one of the greatest players of all time.

Social media reacts to Sidney Crosby’s 9th NHL career fight

Despite Sidney Crosby dropping the gloves, the team failed to overtake the Winnipeg Jets, ultimately losing 1-4. So far in the season, they have recorded 7-11-4 while standing last in the Metropolitan Division. They are tied with Columbus Blue Jackets and Philadelphia Flyers for 18 points.

Sidney Crosby
Sidney Crosby [Image Credit: Imago]

Fans were very surprised to see the rarest sight of Crosby’s fight on Friday. One X user commented, “It’s embarrassing that Sid has to drop the gloves,” while another added, “For the love of god, will someone save Sid.” Check more fan reactions below:

The team’s 2024-25 start has not been good so far. This year Crosby has signed an extension with the Penguins and is expected to finish his career there. However, the team’s performance has led many to question if he should have been traded when the opportunity was there. 

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Regardless, it seems Crosby has given the team enough of a wake-up call. How the team responds after this will be interesting to see.