Crosby gets emotional as Penguins honor 2016 Stanley Cup champions

Pittsburgh captain takes in tribute video, celebrates with teammates decade after title

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:23pm

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Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby became emotional as the team honored the 2016 Stanley Cup championship team during a 10-year reunion before a game against the New York Rangers. Crosby and other core players from the 2016 team, including Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust, and Kris Letang, watched a tribute video and celebrated with former teammates and coaches like Mike Sullivan, who is now the Rangers' head coach.

Why it matters

The 2016 Penguins team is considered one of the franchise's greatest, winning the Stanley Cup in a remarkable turnaround season after a coaching change. The reunion highlights the lasting bonds and memories formed by the players and coaches who won a championship together.

The details

The Penguins' 2016 Stanley Cup run saw them rebound from a 15-10-3 start to the season by firing coach Mike Johnston and replacing him with Mike Sullivan. Under Sullivan, the Penguins went 48-26-8 and won 13 of their final 15 games to make the playoffs. They then defeated the Rangers and Capitals in the first two rounds before beating the Lightning in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final and the Sharks in 6 games in the Stanley Cup Final. Crosby won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

  • The Penguins' 2016 Stanley Cup championship was 10 years ago.
  • The Penguins honored the 2016 team during a reunion before a game against the Rangers on January 31, 2026.

The players

Sidney Crosby

The 38-year-old Pittsburgh Penguins captain and two-time Conn Smythe Trophy winner.

Mike Sullivan

The current head coach of the New York Rangers, who previously coached the Penguins for 10 seasons and won two Stanley Cups with the team.

Evgeni Malkin

A current Penguins forward and member of the 2016 championship team.

Bryan Rust

A current Penguins forward and member of the 2016 championship team.

Kris Letang

A current Penguins defenseman and member of the 2016 championship team.

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What they’re saying

“It's gone by fast, to be honest with you. It's gone by really fast.”

— Sidney Crosby (NHL)

“We just play.”

— Mike Sullivan, Head Coach, New York Rangers (NHL)

“That team that they're celebrating today, you know, one of the things that I always admired about that group was they, for me, represent the gold standard of what a winning team looks like. The combination of speed, skill, but maybe one of the things that was not recognized was their toughness. And we didn't have a tough guy on that team. But their willingness to play through whatever came their way to win was impressive to watch. And I admire that group.”

— Mike Sullivan, Head Coach, New York Rangers (NHL)

What’s next

The Penguins will continue to celebrate their 2016 championship throughout the season, with plans for a special alumni game and other events to honor the team's legacy.

The takeaway

The Penguins' 2016 Stanley Cup championship team exemplified the qualities of a true winning organization - speed, skill, toughness, and an unwavering commitment to success. Even a decade later, the bond between the players and coaches remains strong, a testament to the power of shared triumph.