On February 19, 2015, Sidney Crosby and Brandon Dubinsky engaged in a rare but intense fight during a tightly contested game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Columbus Blue Jackets. With the score tied 1-1 and just under six minutes remaining in the second period, the altercation unfolded close to the Blue Jackets’ net when Dubinsky charged at Crosby as he attempted to clear the puck.
Crosby deftly avoided the hit and grabbed Dubinsky with his left hand, causing Dubinsky to crash into the boards and lose his helmet. Both players quickly got back on their feet and exchanged blows, with Crosby trying to take Dubinsky down. Dubinsky maintained his balance, and a punch from Crosby brought both players to the ice before officials separated them to end the fight.
Escalation of the Rivalry in Later 2015
The tension between the two players escalated again in November 2015 during another game. Dubinsky cross-checked Crosby in the neck, knocking him to the ice. After a second shove, Crosby left the ice briefly for evaluation but returned to play in the third period. Dubinsky was penalized for two minutes and faced a hearing with <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL Player Safety afterward.
Addressing the incident, Dubinsky stated that he had no intention of injuring Crosby, explaining that his stick went up because Crosby was bent over at that moment.
“I don’t try to do anything dirty,” Dubinsky said, via ESPN. “That’s not really the type of player I am. I’m going to play hard but try and play fair and in between the whistle.” —Brandon Dubinsky
Crosby commented on the hit, noting that although he did not see it, he understood how it felt.
“There is always concern when that happens,” Dubinsky said. “Yeah, I’m good. Honestly, I didn’t even see it, so I don’t know how it looked. I just know how it felt.” —Sidney Crosby
Sidney Crosby’s Success Amidst the Rivalry
Following these confrontations, Sidney Crosby led the Pittsburgh Penguins to win the Stanley Cup in the 2015-16 season while earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. This victory marked his second Stanley Cup, adding to his first from 2009. Crosby continued his success by capturing a third title with the Penguins in 2017.
Dubinsky’s Post-Retirement Comments Favoring Ovechkin Over Crosby
After retiring in 2021, Brandon Dubinsky publicly expressed his preference for Alex Ovechkin over Sidney Crosby during a podcast appearance. Having faced both stars during his career, Dubinsky expressed no desire to request an autograph or memorabilia from Crosby.
“F**k Sid,” Dubinsky said, via “Garbage Beers.” “I’ll take Ovi every day of the week. I got an Ovi stick. I asked Ovi for an autographed stick… I would never ask Sid for a stick. Ever.” —Brandon Dubinsky
While acknowledging Crosby’s skill, Dubinsky criticized Crosby for complaining too much during games, contrasting that with Ovechkin’s reputation for playing hard and maintaining a quieter presence on the ice.
The Lasting Impact of a Heated NHL Rivalry
The physical encounter between Sidney Crosby and Brandon Dubinsky in 2015, along with subsequent incidents and post-career remarks, cemented a notable rivalry between the two NHL players. These moments highlight the intensity and competitive spirit that define professional hockey. As Crosby continued to achieve significant success with the Penguins, Dubinsky’s remarks after retirement have added fuel to ongoing debates among fans about these two prominent figures and their contrasting styles on the ice.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How many teeth did Sidney Crosby lose?
A. Sidney Crosby knocked out two teeth but his goal thrilled the Penguins. Despite losing his front teeth, Crosby couldn’t comment on his impressive one-handed goal. This goal secured the Pittsburgh Penguins a spot in the playoffs for the 11th year in a row.
Q. Did Sidney Crosby lose teeth?
A. Crosby broke his jaw, lost a few teeth, and needed surgery on his jaw along with major dental treatment.
Q. What disease does Sidney Crosby have?
A. Dr. Dharmesh Vyas, the head doctor for the Pittsburgh Penguins, spoke at a news conference on Sunday. He discussed when Sidney Crosby was diagnosed with the mumps.