Penguins Celebrate 10-Year Anniversary of 2016 Stanley Cup Victory

Emotional tribute brings Crosby to tears as team honors championship run

Feb. 7, 2026 at 6:31am

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The Pittsburgh Penguins celebrated the 10-year anniversary of their 2016 Stanley Cup championship with a special tribute before their game against the New York Rangers. The emotional ceremony featured the introduction of familiar faces from that team, including head coach Mike Sullivan and forward Conor Sheary. The tribute visibly moved Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, who fought back tears as highlights from the championship run played on the video board.

Why it matters

The 2016 Penguins championship holds a special place in the hearts of the team's fans, representing a transformative period in the franchise's history. The tribute highlighted the lasting impact of that team and the indelible mark it left on the city of Pittsburgh.

The details

The Penguins rolled out a comprehensive tribute, introducing each member of the 2016 championship team as they took the ice. The ceremony included a video montage showcasing the team's playoff run, which featured memorable moments like Sidney Crosby lifting the Stanley Cup, Evgeni Malkin's dominant play, and the breakout performance of the "HBK Line" of Carl Hagelin, Nick Bonino, and Phil Kessel.

  • The tribute took place on January 31, 2026, exactly 10 years after the Penguins won the Stanley Cup in 2016.
  • The Penguins defeated the New York Rangers by a score of 6-5 in the game following the ceremony.

The players

Sidney Crosby

The Penguins' captain and a key member of the 2016 championship team, Crosby was visibly emotional during the tribute, fighting back tears as he reflected on the memories of that run.

Mike Sullivan

The Penguins' head coach during the 2016 championship season, Sullivan returned to PPG Paints Arena as the head coach of the New York Rangers for the anniversary game.

Conor Sheary

A forward who was part of both the Penguins' 2016 and 2017 Stanley Cup-winning teams.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, just a lot of love for these guys. Seeing some of those clips, you forget—you play years after that, you forget some of those moments. They bring back a lot of great memories. It's awesome to see them and have them here. So, yeah, a lot of emotions but also just great memories.”

— Sidney Crosby (yardbarker.com)

“No. I mean, I love that group. I love playing, I love the experiences and memories I've had. That's how it comes out. You don't see those moments all the time; it's not like I watch them on YouTube. When you see them, they hit you a little harder the older you get.”

— Sidney Crosby (yardbarker.com)

What’s next

The Penguins will continue their season as they look to make another deep playoff run and potentially add to their championship legacy.

The takeaway

The Penguins' 2016 Stanley Cup victory remains a defining moment in the franchise's history, one that continues to resonate with the team and its passionate fanbase. The emotional tribute showcased the lasting impact of that championship team and the special bond between the players who experienced that unforgettable run.