Crosby and Penguins Triumph in Regular Season Finale

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Pittsburgh Penguins closed out their 2024-25 regular season with a resounding 5-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Thursday night, April 17, 2025, at PPG Paints Arena. Captain Sidney Crosby led the charge, showcasing his timeless brilliance with a goal and an assist, pushing him past the 90-point mark for the ninth time in his illustrious career. Despite the Penguins missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year, the performance was a fitting exclamation point to a challenging season, offering fans a glimpse of hope for the future.

A Clash of Titans

The game, the 73rd regular-season meeting between Crosby and Capitals’ superstar Alex Ovechkin, was billed as a showcase of two of the NHL’s greatest players. It did not disappoint. Ovechkin, fresh off breaking Wayne Gretzky’s career goal record earlier this month, added his 897th career goal in the second period, a testament to his enduring scoring prowess. However, Crosby stole the spotlight, orchestrating Pittsburgh’s offense with precision and flair. His highlight-reel moment came in the second period when he delivered a jaw-dropping whip-around backhand pass to Bryan Rust, who buried it for his second goal of the night, giving the Penguins a 3-1 lead.

Crosby’s performance was more than just numbers. At 37 years old and in his 20th NHL season, he remains the heart and soul of the Penguins. “He’s the standard for what it means to be a Pittsburgh Penguin,” head coach Mike Sullivan said after the game. “His work ethic, his attention to detail—it’s unmatched.” Crosby finished the season with 91 points (33 goals, 58 assists) in 82 games, averaging 1.14 points per game and clinching a 20th season of at least a point per game, surpassing Wayne Gretzky for the most in NHL history.

Rust Shines, Penguins Depth Steps Up

Bryan Rust was another standout, scoring twice to reach a career-high 31 goals for the season. His second tally, assisted by Crosby’s masterful feed, electrified the Pittsburgh crowd and underscored the chemistry of the Penguins’ top line. Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic was solid between the pipes, stopping 18 of 20 shots, while rookie Ville Koivunen showed promise, though a potential first NHL goal was disallowed due to a glove infraction.

The Penguins’ depth players also contributed, with Philip Tomasino adding a goal to the tally. Despite the team’s struggles this season—finishing with a 33-37-12 record—the finale highlighted the potential of younger players who could be key pieces in Pittsburgh’s ongoing rebuild.

A Season of Challenges, A Glimmer of Hope

The 2024-25 campaign was a difficult one for Pittsburgh. Eliminated from playoff contention on April 6, the Penguins faced a season marked by inconsistent goaltending, a lack of depth scoring, and an overreliance on their top line of Crosby, Rust, and Rickard Rakell, who accounted for 41% of the team’s goals. Yet, Crosby’s relentless drive and leadership provided a beacon of optimism. “You have to have pride in what you do, no matter what it is,” Crosby said post-game, reflecting on the team’s effort despite their postseason absence.

General manager Kyle Dubas now faces a pivotal offseason, with decisions looming about the roster’s composition and potential trades involving players like Erik Karlsson, Ryan Graves, or Tristan Jarry. The emergence of prospects like Koivunen and goaltender Sergei Murashov in the AHL offers hope that Pittsburgh can blend youth with its veteran core to return to contention.

Crosby vs. Ovechkin: A Rivalry for the Ages

The game also served as a celebration of the Crosby-Ovechkin rivalry, which has defined an era of NHL hockey. Fans in Pittsburgh gave Ovechkin a standing ovation, a rare gesture of respect for the Capitals’ captain, who confirmed earlier in the day that he has no plans to retire. Crosby, too, shows no signs of slowing down, and fans can only hope for one more postseason clash between these titans before their careers conclude. “There’s something different in the air when those two meet,” Sullivan noted, capturing the magic of the matchup.

Looking Ahead

As the Capitals gear up for their playoff opener against the Montreal Canadiens on Monday, the Penguins head into the offseason with a bittersweet victory. Crosby’s performance in the finale was a reminder of his enduring greatness and a rallying cry for a franchise aiming to return to its championship ways. With Crosby signed through the 2024-25 season and prospects waiting in the wings, Pittsburgh’s future remains bright, even if the present carries the sting of another playoff miss.

For now, Penguins fans can savor this final win, a testament to the brilliance of Sidney Crosby and the resilience of a team determined to fight on.

>> Explore and shop the latest trending t-shirt designs at ghosttshirt.com