"Really good challenge": Maple leafs captain Auston Matthews heaps praises on 'tough guy' Sidney Crosby

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews recently praised Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby. Matthews called him “a tough guy to play against.” He also shared how he views matchups against Crosby.

"He’s always a tough guy to play against," Matthews said via Leafslatest on Saturday. "It’s always a really good challenge. Like I’ve said before, what he’s been able to do over the course of his career is pretty incredible. His consistency continues to be impressive, even in year 20. He’s one of the top players and someone we have to look out for on the ice; he’s very dangerous, so it’s a fun challenge."

For their head-to-head record, Matthews has a slight edge with nine wins to Crosby’s seven in the regular season. Crosby has played 1,274 games and recorded 592 goals and 1,006 assists for 1,598 points.

On the other hand, Matthews has played 564 games and recorded 368 goals and 281 assists for 649 points. While Sidney Crosby is widely regarded as a complete player, Matthews is a great goal scorer.

The Penguins (1-1) will visit the Maple Leafs (1-1) on Saturday at 7 p.m. EDT. Both teams are looking to build on their early-season performances. Last season, the Maple Leafs finished with a record of 46-26-10 while the Penguins ended with a 38-32-12 record.

In September, Sidney Crosby signed a two-year contract extension with a cap hit of $8,700,000 per season.

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Sidney Crosby's advice to Auston Matthews post-marriage

Sidney Crosby gave Auston Matthews important advice about being the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Crosby said it is crucial to be yourself, especially in the high-pressure market of Toronto.

“I think it’s just important to be yourself,” Crosby said on Saturday per Toronto Sun. “Here, everything is magnified that much more. There’s always pressure being a captain, but here, I think you just got to be yourself."

Crosby added that there are always lessons to learn, no matter how experienced you are.

“No matter how long you’ve done it or where you are, you’re always learning. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.”

Matthews was named captain in August as John Tavares stepped down to give him the opportunity after the 2024 playoff loss to the Bruins.

Auston Matthews and the Leafs have opened the season with one win and one loss as they are struggling on the power play (0-for-6) so far. John Tavares is uncertain for the game due to illness and Joseph Woll is day-to-day with an injury.