New Jersey Devils blue-liner P.K. Subban has had to defend against the league's best over the last decade, but Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby is the one player who has stood out the most to him.
"Whether it's natural, whether it's his commitment to working out - his leg and core strength separates him from everybody," Subban told Sportsnet's Ron MacLean on "In Conversation." "He's one of those guys that's literally impossible to pin down low. You have to contain and have a good stick.
"When you play against him enough you understand his tendencies, but as far as leg strength goes, I don't think there's been anybody other than maybe he or (Jaromir) Jagr that have been as good as protecting the puck as those two guys, they're unbelievable at it."
Subban and Crosby have engaged in their fair share of battles over the years. The two famously got into a heated exchange during Game 3 of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final, after which Subban said Crosby told him his breath smelled. Crosby denied it and Subban later said his claim was intended as a joke, but the incident was highly sensationalized in the media.
Regardless, the former Norris Trophy winner is well aware of Crosby's incredible accomplishments on the ice.
"I know that Sid and I have had battles in the playoffs - I have such respect for him," Subban said.
"I don't want to take anything away from the Connor McDavid's of the world and these guys, because these are elite players. ... But just in my time of playing in the league and the past 11 years that I've played, I've played against Sidney Crosby consistently in the East and in the playoffs, and what he's accomplished as a player ... it's second to none."
Crosby has enjoyed enormous success since his NHL debut in 2005-06. He's captured three Stanley Cups and won the Hart, Art Ross, Maurice "Rocket" Richard, and Conn Smythe trophies two times apiece. He's also won two Olympic gold medals as a member of Team Canada.
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