Need to Know:
Great players always get the job done, no matter the circumstances. Sidney Crosby is obviously one of those players. He has taken some heat in some circles for not being as flashy and outspoken as some of the other young stars in the NHL, but that has not fazed the Penguins captain. Instead of pushing too hard to try to be something he’s not, Sid has continued to strengthen his overall game and work at becoming one of the best leaders around the league. If there were skeptics who thought handing the “C” to Sidney Crosby in Pittsburgh was putting unnecessary pressure on the young superstar, they don’t know Sidney Crosby. He has proved – without a doubt – that he has the ability to lead and be a superstar on and off the ice. He put up 102 points as the league’s youngest player in 2005-06 and for an encore, he led the entire NHL in scoring with 120 in year two, walking away with the Art Ross Trophy, Lester B. Pearson Award and Hart Trophy honours. Sidney was the youngest ever to be awarded the Pearson Award from his fellow players. He was also the youngest to win the Hart since Wayne Gretzky won his first of nine back in 1980. Asked by reporters to compare his two major honours Sid said, "I'm not going to say the writers' opinion doesn't matter, but to be recognized by the guys you play against every night is an honour." 2008-09 was a dream season for Sid as he realized his lifelong dream when he led the Penguins to an incredible, seven-game series victory over the defending champion Detroit Red Wings to hoist the Stanley Cup.

Recently:
Sidney returned home to Halifax and Cole Harbour in grand style on Friday, receiving a Canadian military escort on a Sea King helicopter, with the Stanley Cup in tow, to the delight of hundreds of eager fans. Sid has returned home with the Cup for a couple days to celebrate the Penguins triumph this past June, as well as his 22nd birthday, which is also today!

Did You Know:
Sid was photographed sleeping in his bed with the Stanley Cup shortly after the Penguins were crowned champions and returned home to Pittsburgh.

NHLPA.com Bio:
Sidney Crosby was drafted in the first round, first-overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. In two years of Junior in Rimouski, both interrupted by World Junior Champs appearances, Sidney scored 303 points in 121 regular season games. Sidney signed with the Penguins and made his NHL debut on October 5, 2005. He had an assist on a Mark Recchi goal for his first career point that night. His first NHL goal came against Andrew Raycroft of the Bruins three nights later in his home debut. Sidney opened his NHL career with at least a point in his first six games. He finished his rookie season second in rookie points and sixth among all NHLers with 102. In year two, Sidney led the NHL in scoring from wire-to-wire, finishing with 120 points, on 36 goals and 84 assists. Sidney missed a chunk of time in 2007-08 with a high-ankle sprain, but still was able to post 72 points in 53 games played. He returned healthy and driven in 2008-09, wracking up 33 goals and 70 assists for 103 points.