Since the official announcement of Sidney Crosby’s return, I’ve felt a mix of emotions; some anxiety (Will he be the same Sidney?), anticipation and relief.  Sidney’s return feels like a warm blanket on a cold winter’s night. There would be no more waiting, no more rumors, and whispers of retirement. The Penguins would be playing together with all of their top players, Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Fleury, Orpik, Letang, etc. and things were going back to the way they were (and should be!). Feeling the relief that after an eleven month absence, Sid was cleared to play, Penguins fans around the world rejoiced as they watched the return of their captain.

To see number 87 on the ice, adorned with a “C” on his chest, was something I and many others, including several non-Pens fans and players on other teams, have been waiting to see for a very long time. As a Penguins fan in New York, I could feel the excitement inside Consol Energy Center through the television. We all came together to celebrate the return of Sidney Crosby!  It was like I was there, screaming and cheering my Penguins on. At some moments, it felt surreal, like I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. After watching Sid score his first goal, I knew I was watching something very special happen.

I don’t think anyone could have imagined any less of a game for Sidney’s return. Regardless of which team the Pens would have faced, it would not have made the game any less exciting. I could talk different scenarios, i.e. Pens v. Flyers, and discuss how the outcome of the game would have been different, but that is immaterial to the fact that the best player in the NHL returned to the ice. The exposure that Sid brings to the game is undeniable; he is the face of the NHL, the most recognizable player in the game. If you ever doubted that then you may have missed the hockey programming all over North America being changed just for Sidney Crosby’s return.

Overall the game had a great pace to it, perhaps because the Pens dominated the game. Two of the five goals were by Sidney (oh, how awesome would a hattrick have been?) and the other three were scored by Brooks Orpik, Steve Sullivan, and Evgeni Malkin. Not to mention a shutout by Fleury! It was an amazing night for the Pittsburgh Penguins. My heart swells with pride, watching my team come together for such a memorable win!

I can’t completely put into words what I felt during the game. I’m still at a loss from the happiness I feel as a fan of the Penguins and hockey, in general. I can’t wait to see Sid play in person, when the Pens come to Newark on December 31 to play the Devils! The season is still young, of course, and there will be many more unforgettable games to come. Nothing in hockey is certain but Pens fans of all ages and races from all over the world now know that the possibilities are endless. It was apparent last year before the Winter Classic that the Penguins were on the verge of something wonderful and judging by last night’s game, they’re picking up right where they left off.

We are on our way and the best is yet to come!