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Penguins Legend Praises Crosby's Longevity
Published February 20, 2024 at 12:24
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Jaromir Jagr Gives His Thoughts on if Crosby Can Still Play Productively Into His Forties
There are not many players who can speak from experience when it comes to longevity in sports. Take Jaromir Jagr, in his 7th post-NHL season with his team Kladno in Czechia. That is on top of parts of 24 NHL seasons and four other seasons in the KHL and Czech leagues.So, when he praises someone for their own longevity, it matters. Jagr was asked about Sidney Crosby and if he thinks that the current Penguins captain can play into his 40s at the NHL level. This is what he had to say.
«The game has gotten a little bit quicker, but he's adapted very well,»
when referring to since Crosby's rookie year in 2005. «He's probably had one of the best seasons he's (ever) had. I'm happy for him, and I think he can play for another five or six years if he really wanted to. Sid is the guy who wants to be the best. He is always the guy who wants to be tomorrow, better than he is today. That's what you need if you want to play long.»
Now up on #BreakfastWithBenz--Jaromir Jagr on Sidney Crosby: 'He can play for another 5 or 6 years' https://t.co/DEHQOJu7nR @TribLIVE @TribSports� Tim Benz (@TimBenzPGH) February 20, 2024
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At 36 Years Old, Sidney Crosby is Having One of His Best Years in the NHL
Crosby is producing at a high level still at 36-years-old. He has 31 goals this year and if he reaches 40 goals, it will be the first time he has done so since 2017.
When Crosby was asked about Jagr's comments, he jokingly talked about Jagr putting on the pressure.
«He's putting a little pressure on me there. You have to love the game and put a lot into it in order to do that. He's a great example of it. There's been guys who have done it in the past. It takes a lot. It's not easy, but if I'm fortunate enough to play that long, that'd be amazing.»
By comparison, if Crosby does complete six more seasons, that will put him at 42-years-old and at 25 seasons of professional hockey. That is the same number as Jagr.
Mike Sullivan was asked if he thinks that Crosby could have a long career like Jagr.
«If you're asking me, do I think he's capable? The answer is, �yes,'» Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan said Sunday. «He's talented. He's one of the greatest players of all time, but his work ethic is unmatched by anyone that I've ever seen. Because of that, I think he'll play for as long as he wants to. He's such a driven athlete; as long as he continues to love the game and play with the passion that he plays with, I think he'll play for as long as he wants.»
It seems that it will really come down to if Crosby wants to play into his 40s not if.
As Read On: Trib Live - Jaromir Jagr on Sidney Crosby: 'He can play for another 5 or 6 years'
| POLL | ||
February 20 | 181 answers Penguins Legend Praises Crosby's Longevity Do you think that Sidney Crosby will still be playing after 40 years old professionally? | ||
| Yes | 125 | 69.1 % |
| No | 56 | 30.9 % |
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