Sidney Crosby compliments Connor McDavid's growth in his game

Prior to their first meeting in nearly two years, Pittsburgh Penguins captain talked with Mike Zeisberger of NHL.com about tonight's opponent, Connor McDavid and the growth of his game.

"He's playing at such a high level, and when someone is playing at the level he's at, it's hard to think that they can find another level," Crosby said.. "I think he's done that. I think that's the most impressive part about it."

Crosby added, "I think it's an appreciation for how difficult it is to make the plays that he does. The one against New York, that was late in the game too, it was the tying goal. That's the fun part. You don't want to be on the other side of that if you're on the ice, but you have a certain level of appreciation. That's fun to see. It's great for the game and it's great to see someone at that level doing what he's doing."

Crosby and McDavid have played against each other seven times thus far, and the Penguins having the advantage with a 6-0-1 record.

The pair will be teammates for the first time in February at the 2022 Winter Olympics in China after Hockey Canada named them, along with Golden Knights defenceman Alex Pietrangelo, as the first three players to their roster back in October.

Tonight's clash between Edmonton and Pittsburgh is set for 10pm ET and can be seen on Sportsnet in Canada and TNT in the United States.

Crosby: McDavid's taken game to new level https://t.co/akWqvdRduh pic.twitter.com/sgHwyPVZll— theScore NHL (@theScoreNHL) December 1, 2021

MUST READ

40 minutes ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch 900-Game NHL Veteran Likely to Retire After Refusing to Sign With Canadian Team

1 hour ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving Addresses Struggling Player Nick Robertson in New Interview

3 hours ago  |  By Julien Trekker Terrifying Scene for Carolina Hurricanes Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov as He Blacks Out on the Ice

16 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Angry John Tortorella Calls Out One Flyers Player: Trade is Likely Per Elliotte Friedman

18 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Quinn Hughes Ejected: Suspension May be Coming for the Reigning Norris Winner

19 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Matvei Michkov Stuns With Crazy Quote in Post-Game Interview Following OT Winner

20 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Jeremy Swayman on the Verge of Losing the Starting Role in Boston: His Contract Looks Like a Disaster

23 hours ago  |  By TJ Tucker Detroit Red Wings Place Massive Six-Foot-Six Forward on Waivers

MORE STORIES