It was February 2012. The Penguins were mired in a six-game losing streak and Crosby had played in only eight games in 14 months because of a concussion. Some Penguins believed it was worth discussing if a new, temporary captain should be selected given Crosby’s absence.
As the story goes, in all, eight players took part in a meeting… The meeting abruptly ended when Malkin stood up and said, “This is fucking stupid. Sid captain.”
Case closed, Malkin’s legendary loyalty to Crosby having never been on greater display.
Malkin possesses his own quirks, sure, but he plays a primary role in making said personalities click. I’m fairly certain he’s often the one who brings everyone in that locker room together.
There once was a time when he wore the ‘A’ on his sweater because of his Hall of Fame talent. Nowadays, there is far more substance to that letter.
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