Despite back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017, losing to the rival Washington Capitals in the second round of the 2018 playoffs - and watching them eventually hoist the trophy - left Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby with a bitter feeling.
"I think that'll definitely light a fire for us," Crosby told NHL.com's Nick Cotsonika. "That's on your mind when you play that team again. It's just the way it is. That's the way it is when you lose. You've always kind of got that feeling of something to prove."
The Penguins-Capitals rivalry featuring Crosby and Alex Ovechkin has been one of the best in sports over the last decade or so, and it was only amplified by Washington's Stanley Cup victory this past spring.
Even though Crosby doesn't have much left to prove to anyone, his competitive spirit and work ethic have made him one of the best to ever play the game.
Crosby went on a European vacation this summer, but couldn't stop himself from bringing his hockey gear.
"Yeah I brought it," he said with a smile. "I figured I'd want to get on at some point."
A motivated Crosby is a dangerous proposition for opponents, and Ovechkin and the Caps will find out firsthand as the two teams square off in the season opener Oct. 4 in Pittsburgh.
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