The Pittsburgh Penguins ended their participation in the 2024-25 NHL season with a 34-36-12 record, accumulating 80 points, and were left out of the playoffs for the third consecutive season. The situation is frustrating for star Sidney Crosby, who could not contain himself when it came to analyzing the franchise’s momentum.
The season was disappointing on a team level, but for Crosby, it was a strong personal campaign. At 37 years old, the Penguins captain led the team in points during the 2024–25 season with 86 (30 goals and 56 assists), once again proving that he remains a current NHL star.
Despite the disappointment, Crosby remains committed to the franchise and his desire to compete at the highest level in the seasons to come. The Pens veteran understands the reality of the team and knows that this year is a rebuilding year, even if the result is painful.
Crosby’s tough message on Pens out of playoffs
“It’s difficult when you’re cleaning out your locker and stall and you’re just thinking [about] how fun it is to play in the playoffs. How important that is and how much work everyone puts into trying to make that happen. It’s not a fun feeling when other teams are playing and you’re going home,” Crosby said to NHL.com.
Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 11, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.
“Missing the playoffs the last few years, I think there’s always going to be thoughts and opinions. We’ve got to prove it. I think that we’ve got to find a way to get back there. When you lose, you’re going to hear that. That’s part of it. But yeah, it’s up to us to find a way to get back there,” he said.
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Will Crosby continue to play for the Penguins?
Crosby has made it clear he will be back in Pittsburgh for another try next season. The 37-year-old captain remains under contract signed in September 2024 to a two-year, $17.4 million deal that secures his tenure with the Penguins through the 2026-27 season.
