Sidney Crosby Pittsburgh Penguins Stardom shines brightly as one of hockey’s most iconic figures, yet his former teammate Jake Guentzel has shared insights into the difficulties that come with such fame. Speaking on The Cam & Strick Podcast this past Tuesday, Guentzel described how Crosby struggles to move around Pittsburgh without constant public attention.
During the podcast, Guentzel explained the challenges Crosby faces due to his immense popularity.
“I mean he has to,” Guentzel said [1:34:50 onwards]. “It’s got to be tough for him. I mean, everyone wants to be all over him, it seems like. He keeps a pretty low-key profile in Pittsburgh and even on the road, too.”
—Jake Guentzel, Former Penguins Teammate
Guentzel played alongside Crosby for eight seasons, starting in 2016 and continuing until early 2024, which gives him a close perspective on Crosby’s personality and routine. He emphasized Crosby’s friendly and respectful nature despite the constant attention.
“Whenever you come up to him, he’s so friendly,” Guentzel added. “He’s such a nice guy; that’s the good thing about him. He’ll do everything for everyone.”
—Jake Guentzel, Former Penguins Teammate
Sidney Crosby keeps his personal life private, a choice that helps him manage the pressure from his enduring career. Over 20 seasons in the NHL, Crosby has become one of the most recognizable faces in the sport, securing three Stanley Cup victories along the way.
Despite the Pittsburgh Penguins missing the playoffs in recent years, Crosby has maintained an impressive performance, surpassing the 90-point mark each of the last three seasons. His career totals include more than 600 goals and over 1,600 points, underscoring his status as a franchise cornerstone.
Crosby’s influence extends beyond the NHL as a leader on the international stage. He delivered the golden goal for Canada at the 2010 Olympics and earned another gold medal in 2014. He was named MVP at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey and recently contributed to Canada’s victory in the 4 Nations Faceoff tournament.
Insights into Crosby’s Focus and Training Habits
On the same podcast, Andy Strickland noted Crosby’s relentless work ethic, pointing out that the athlete rarely takes time off. Crosby set a new standard by breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record for averaging a point per game over 20 consecutive seasons.
When asked about this, Guentzel confirmed with a simple response:
“Never” [1:27:31 onwards].
Strickland further highlighted how Crosby and fellow Nova Scotian Nathan MacKinnon consistently spend extensive hours on ice training, demonstrating their dedication. Guentzel added that Crosby often prefers to train alone, accompanied only by a single trainer.
“He (Crosby) just goes there by himself, and he takes like one of the trainers,” Guentzel said.
—Jake Guentzel, Former Penguins Teammate
Meanwhile, Guentzel experienced significant changes in his own career during the 2024 offseason. After being traded from Pittsburgh to Carolina in March, his rights were then moved to Tampa Bay, where he signed a seven-year contract worth $63 million with the Lightning.
Sidney Crosby’s perseverance and disciplined approach continue to define his legacy with the Pittsburgh Penguins, while his contributions to Canadian hockey significantly elevate his stature on the international front. As Crosby maintains his high level of play, hockey fans eagerly anticipate how his career will evolve in the coming seasons and what further milestones he will achieve.