All three players could be headed to the Hockey Hall of Fame someday. Crosby ranks first among active NHL players with 1,707 points (636 goals, 1,071 assists) in 1,369 games, and Malkin is third with 1,367 points (517 goals, 850 assists) in 1,230 games. Letang is fourth among active defensemen with 780 points (176 goals, 604 assists) in 1,178 games.
And all three have played key roles in the Penguins’ strong start through 17 games this season. Malkin leads them with 21 points (three goals, 18 assists); Crosby is second with 20 points (11 goals, nine assists). Letang has eight points (one goal, seven assists) and in second on the team in time on ice per game (21:38).
“I played against them, so that kind of tells you how long they’ve been around,” said Predators coach Andrew Brunette, a former forward who played 16 NHL season before retiring in 2012. “They’ve done everything in this game, and I think as a fan, maybe not as a coach, it’s fun to see them revitalized.”
There’s also an understanding that this season could be the last ride for Crosby, Malkin and Letang together. Malkin is in the final season of his contract, and it’s unclear if he will be re-signed.
They each understand they are nearing the end of their careers. Crosby and Letang are 38; Malkin is 39. So, they want to make the most of trips like this one.
“Obviously, you never know how long you’re going to play in this league for, and whether it’s a Winter Classic or a trip to Europe like this, you want to embrace this moment,” Letang said.
“Being in a different place experience-wise and the different things that we’ve gone through over our careers, I think it’s something that means a lot to have this opportunity,” Crosby said. “And playing with some of the guys who are from the area, getting to share that with them and seeing what it means to them as well and being able to share that, I think, is special.”