Penguins Sidney Crosby called out for his very dirty actions in season opener

The New York Rangers dominated the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins in their 2024-25 home opener, taking a commanding 4-0 lead after two periods of play. With four different Rangers finding the back of the net, the Penguins were unable to keep pace and were reeling while the crowd was silenced. Meanwhile, this did little to help cool the fire of frustration building within the captain of the Penguins, Sidney Crosby.

With emotions running hot, Crosby made the crucial mistake of cross-checking Rangers star Mika Zibanejad and went to the box. That cross-check allowed the Rangers to get onto power-play, after which things began to get even grayer for the Penguins. Crosby, at times coddled for his leadership and demeanor, was clearly rattled, a rare display from one of the game's most seasoned veterans.

Fans made no bones about their reactions and accused him of whining from the penalty box. Making things worse, earlier in the game, Crosby was hot and having words with Rangers rookie Victor Mancini. The scuffle developed when Crosby tried to take a swing at Mancini, a moment to make fans question whether the Penguins captain's sportsmanship was in question. Mancini did not show any fear in his standoff against the hockey legend.

For Pittsburgh, the game was turning out to be nothing short of a nightmare. Crosby's attitude, not good enough, was matched by the inferior form of their goaltender Tristan Jarry. As inept in the net as Crosby was on the ice, Jarry did not differ from Crosby in being the object of equal concern for the Penguins' fans, who were voicing discontent over his form just as loud as they did about Crosby's leadership.

As the game got out of hand, it was far from the season-opening performance the Penguins had in mind. With Crosby clearly frustrated and Jarry's inconsistencies fully on display, it wasn't a bad question that might have been trending in the minds of many fans whether Crosby was regretting signing that extension with Pittsburgh ahead of the season. The disaster of a start the Penguins were off to left them with more questions than answers.