Sidney Crosby on stick exchange with Peter Forsberg: ‘Someone I really admired’

This article first appeared on hockeysverige.se and has been translated from Swedish to English.

Back in 2008, Sidney Crosby played his first games in what was then called the Globe in Stockholm.

That time, his Pittsburgh Penguins were beaten by the Ottawa Senators in two straight games in the predecessor to the Global Series — NHL Premiere. The season was still successful, as the Penguins won their first Stanley Cup in 2009 with a core that included Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Marc-André Fleury.

After Friday’s loss to the Nashville Predators, Crosby managed to win his first NHL game in Sweden on his fourth attempt. He scored in the Penguins’ 4–0 victory, doing so in front of his parents, Troy and Trina, who had traveled to Sweden to watch their son.

“I could not be more grateful for the reception, the hospitality, and being able to spend a few days here in the city. Scoring in front of family—that never gets old. It was an amazing reception, and something I will look back on with fond memories,” Crosby said.

He appreciates how the idea of NHL games in Europe has developed.

“Yes, I think it is huge,” Crosby said of the experience in Stockholm. “Seeing how many people have come out shows you how excited they are just to watch NHL games here. It has become more and more common, and I think all the organization that goes into it has gotten more efficient through the years.

“But it has been 17 years since we were here last, so I think it will become something more regular going forward. And when you get an atmosphere like that, and the Swedish guys get to come home and play, and you are talking about growing the game—it does not get much better than opportunities like this. It was really special, and I think ‘Karl’ (Erik Karlsson) enjoyed it a lot too.”

After the game, Crosby was interviewed by Swedish TV and also took the opportunity to swap sticks with former NHL star turned TV expert, Peter Forsberg.

“I did not expect that,” Crosby said with a smile. “I talked to Patrick Hörnqvist before the game and he asked if I would still consider doing a stick swap if the chance came. I had no idea it would happen like that. But it was really cool to be able to do it. It was not something I did much when I was younger, collecting sticks. But the older I have gotten, the more I have understood how special that is. And especially with someone like him, someone I grew up watching and really admired for the way he played. I also had some good battles against him. So I am glad I got the chance.”

The 38-year-old was also asked what had changed in him since he last played in Sweden in 2008. The short answer: not much.

“I think you try to use your experience to your advantage, what to expect, how to focus on playing, and how to shut out distractions. But I think I still get just as excited about these opportunities as I did back then. In that sense, it has not changed. Hopefully, the experience and the years I have played have helped me adjust better. But it is funny you mention it, because when I think about it, I do not think all that much has changed, honestly.”

SPONSORED BY bet365