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Penguins' Sidney Crosby Surprised by Fan Reaction Following Home Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Dec 11, 2024 5:30 AM ET

The Pittsburgh Penguins fell 6-2 to the Colorado Avalanche in a home game on Tuesday after cutting a 3-0 deficit down to 3-2 in the second frame but ultimately collapsing in the third period.

After battling back from that three-goal deficit early in the third, the Penguins faltered on the power play, failing to capitalize on their chances and hearing boos from the home crowd.

Captain Sidney Crosby didn’t hold back in addressing the fans’ reaction, one that surprised him.

“You wouldn’t know tonight, would you?” Crosby said, referencing the Penguins’ recent stretch of five wins in seven games, per Josh Yohe of The Athletic. “I mean, getting booed on the power play (in the third period).

“It did (surprise me) a little bit,” Crosby said. “I think there’s been some times this season when we deserved it. I don’t think tonight was one of them.”

The game unraveled as Colorado’s stars dominated their Penguins counterparts.

Mikko Rantanen notched a hat trick and added two assists for the Avs. Nathan MacKinnon scored a goal and assisted four.

Michael Bunting and Cody Glass were the only Penguins to score with Evgeni Malkin assisting one goal but Crosby failing to either score a goal or get an assist. Meanwhile, goalie Tristan Jarry allowed five goals on 26 shots.

Pittsburgh is having a subpar start to the season posting earning 28 points through 30 games with a 12-14-4 record, ranking 23rd in the NHL standings and 11th in the Eastern Conference.

Crosby himself is navigating a rough stretch of play, having just two goals in his last 16 games and eight in all 30 games combined.

The Penguins face a two-game road trip in Canada next, starting Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens followed by a matchup against the Senators on Saturday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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