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Crosby and the Penguins looking to keep their season alive

The Pittsburgh Penguins currently face a 3-2 series deficit versus their archrival Philadelphia Flyers as they head into their Game 6 matchup on the road tonight. This is a must win game for Pittsburgh as they once again face elimination.

The Penguins have completed half off the comeback so far as they were down 3-0 at one point in the matchup. Consecutive victories have gotten them back in the series after Philadelphia dominated the first three games.

This is not unknown territory for this Penguins team led by captain Sidney Crosby, the three time Stanley Cup champion is unfazed by this situation. The 21-year veteran has been in this position many times throughout his storied career as he looks to lead his team past this first round adversity.

Sidney Crosby is as Motivated as Ever

For the 38-year old Crosby, he knows this opportunity may not happen again as his career nears completion with just one year remaining on his current deal with Pittsburgh. The Penguins far exceeded most people’s expectations this year, clinching a playoff berth when many thought they would finish near the league’s basement. This team could easily return to earth next season with core players Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson not getting any younger.

Crosby knows now is the time to deliver with a do or die game in the cards tonight. Crosby spoke of his motivation towards keeping the series alive following the Penguins Game 5 win: “”We’ve done a great job of handling adversity. Again here, we’re faced with more. It doesn’t get any easier… we have a lot of belief in our group, and we’ve done it time and time again. We’ve got to go do it again.”

If the Penguins are going to successfully complete this comeback, Crosby will need to lead the charge. Crosby has amassed one goal and four assists for five points in five games so far in the series. He has been an incredibly productive player throughout his playoff career with a total of 72 goals and 134 assists for 206 points in 185 games.

Philadelphia is Taking the Fight to Pittsburgh

The Flyers have given Crosby’s Penguins everything they could handle so far as they have taken the fight to the club. Philadelphia’s hard nosed physical game has suited the playoff-style atmosphere and worn down the Penguins. The games have been intense with the hatred from both sides clearly on display on a nightly basis.

It is not a surprise this series has been tight. These two teams have been historic rivals and more often than not engage in close games. Both teams posted similar records this past campaign making it evenly matched as each squad recorded 98 points in the standings as they finished tied for second in the Metropolitan Division.

Whoever comes out on top will have their hands full in round 2 as the Carolina Hurricanes await the winner of this matchup. As the best team in the eastern conference this past regular season, that will be a tough draw for whichever team takes this series.