Sidney Crosby reflects on assisting Evgeni Malkin’s 500th career goal (Source: Imagn)

Sidney Crosby is known for his humble and team-oriented approach. His comments about Evgeni Malkin’s 500th career goal show his respect for his longtime teammate. Malkin became the fourth active NHL player to reach 500 goals, joining an elite group that includes Crosby.

After the game, Crosby spoke about how much he wanted to return the favor. Malkin had assisted Crosby’s 500th goal, and Crosby hoped to set Malkin up for his own milestone.

“I wanted to find a way, and sometimes it doesn’t work out. Obviously, we don’t play together on a line that often. So I was hoping I’d have an opportunity to try to find him, and it worked out. He set me up so nicely for my 500th; I was hoping I could return the favor,” Crosby said.

Crosby: "I wanted to find a way, and sometimes it doesn't work out. Obviously, we don't play together on a line that often. So I was hoping I'd have an opportunity to try to find him, and it worked out. He set me up so nicely for my 500th; I was hoping I could return the favor."

— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) October 17, 2024

He was glad the opportunity came during the Penguins’ wild win over the Buffalo Sabres. Crosby’s reflections weren’t just about the numbers as he recognized the respect and bond he shared with Malkin.

“I’ll have a great memory of that one,” Crosby added. “I had a front-row seat to watch him do it.

“We’re just really happy for him. We know how hard it is to get to that number and how long and how well he’s been doing it for. That’s a great achievement, and I’m proud of him.”

"I'll have a great memory of that one,” Crosby said. “I had a front-row seat to watch him do it. We’re just really happy for him. We know how hard it is to get to that number and how long and how well he's been doing it for. That’s a great achievement, and I’m proud of him." https://t.co/JBtwM7h5AC

— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) October 17, 2024

Their connection has been a big part of the Penguins’ success over the years. On that night, Sidney Crosby helped his teammate reach a career milestone, just as Malkin had done for him.

Evgeni Malkin’s 500th goal leads to Penguins’ overtime victory with Sidney Crosby’s game-winner

Malkin’s goal came with just over 16 minutes left. After falling to the ice, he shoy the puck past Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. The celebration was huge, and the Penguins rushed off the bench to surround Malkin, while the crowd gave him a loud standing ovation.

Although the Sabres quickly scored twice after the celebration, Sidney Crosby ensured a happy ending for Malkin. He scored the game-winning goal in overtime on a power play, securing the Penguins’ victory.

The game itself had many ups and downs. Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry struggled early and was replaced by rookie Joel Blomqvist. Blomqvist’s strong performance gave Pittsburgh a chance to rally. Rickard Rakell tied the game late before Crosby finished the comeback with his overtime goal.

The Carolina Hurricanes next face the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday at 7 p.m. EDT.