The Pittsburgh Penguins have been fortunate to have Sidney Crosby for two decades, a period marked by remarkable talent within the organization. While Crosby rightfully commands the spotlight, several players have consistently contributed to the team's success, often without receiving the recognition they deserve. These unsung heroes have played crucial roles in the Penguins' three Stanley Cup victories and numerous other achievements. Here are five underappreciated Penguins from the Crosby era:
Evgeni Malkin: Joining the Penguins in 2006, Malkin has been a cornerstone of the franchise. Despite boasting a Hart Trophy, a Conn Smythe Trophy, three Stanley Cup rings, and a Calder Trophy, Malkin is sometimes overlooked. He has averaged a point per game or better in 15 of his 19 seasons. Although he has missed a significant number of games due to injuries, when healthy, Malkin has consistently demonstrated his elite status as a generational talent.
Brian Dumoulin: Dumoulin spent ten seasons in Pittsburgh and was a reliable presence on the blue line. As a defensive defenseman, he provided a safety net for Kris Letang, allowing Letang to take offensive risks. Dumoulin's steady play was instrumental in the Penguins' two Stanley Cup wins during his tenure. During his time in Pittsburgh, Dumoulin blocked 816 shots.
Olli Maatta: Selected by the Penguins in the first round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Maatta was known for his smooth, quiet, and reliable play. While players like Letang and Sergei Gonchar garnered attention, Maatta consistently made the right plays, moved the puck effectively, and rarely made mistakes. In his 362 games with the Penguins, Maatta recorded 565 blocks and 440 hits, solidifying his role as a defensive conscience.
Rob Scuderi: Scuderi had two stints with the Penguins, with his first being the most successful. He was a defensive stalwart on the 2009 Stanley Cup-winning team, consistently in the right position and responsible in his play. In Game 6 of the 2009 Stanley Cup Final, Scuderi made a crucial kick save to preserve the win.
Carl Hagelin: Hagelin's speed was a vital component of the Penguins' fast-paced style, forcing other teams to adapt. While not a high-scoring winger in the regular season, Hagelin excelled in the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs, contributing 16 points in 24 games. He consistently retrieved pucks, cleared the defensive zone, and scored important goals during his Penguins career.
