Sidney Crosby led the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 5, bringing them halfway to a historic comeback.
What happened?
The Penguins' win was fueled by Crosby's two assists and 12 wins in 20 faceoffs, including crucial ones in the final moments.
Crosby's performance was his best since the injury that robbed him of finishing his international career at the Olympics in style.
Why it matters for Sidney Crosby
A win in this series would be among the greatest feats in the history of the Penguins' Big Three, consisting of Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang.
The trio has been together for 20 seasons, the longest of any three teammates in North American professional sports.
What comes next?
The Penguins are still two wins away from the ultimate finish line, but this win was a necessary step.
Crosby's future with the Penguins appears to be secure, but the same cannot be said for Malkin and Letang.
The crowd at PPG Paints Arena was electric, pushing the Penguins through the finish line.
Bryan Rust said the crowd was "unbelievable" and helped push the team to victory.
Arturs Silovs played a key role in the win, stopping 18 of 20 shots.
The Penguins' defensive hockey in the final period was a rare sight, with the team holding onto a 3-2 lead.
Kris Letang was confident after the game, already preparing for the next battle.
The Flyers are now under pressure, with the Penguins very much alive in the series.
Crosby won 12 of 20 faceoffs, including a couple of crucial ones in the final moments with the Penguins clinging to the 3-2 advantage.
The Penguins are aiming to become one of four teams in NHL history to come back from 3-0 down in a series.
As of April 28, 2026, the Penguins have won two games in a row, with Crosby playing a key role in both wins.
The series is becoming increasingly interesting, with the Penguins' win in Game 5 being a dramatic turn of events.