When a decorated Pittsburgh Penguins legend's uplifting text message fired up Sidney Crosby & Co. before 2009 Stanley Cup Final Game 7

A pivotal moment in the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals came when Pittsburgh Penguins owner Mario Lemieux sent a motivational text to his team the night before Game 7. The message helped propel the Sidney Crosby-led Penguins to a 2-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. The Penguins' victory marked a historic milestone, as they became the first team since 1971 to capture the Stanley Cup on the road in a decisive Game 7.

The Detroit Red Wings, led by legendary Swedish defenseman Nicklas Lidström, had dominated the Penguins 5-0 in a previous game, and many thought they would emerge victorious again. However, Lemieux, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with 17 seasons of experience, knew that one game didn't define the series. He decided to address the team, sharing his wisdom and calming their nerves.

Lemieux's presence had a profound impact, as the Penguins won Game 6 2-1, forcing a decisive Game 7. The night before the final game, Lemieux crafted an inspirational message, which he cleared with the team's VP of communications, Tom McMillan. At 7:00 AM on game day, the message was shared with every player on the roster, providing a much-needed boost of motivation.

"This is a chance of a lifetime to realize your childhood dream to win a Stanley Cup. Play without fear and you will be successful!! See you at center ice. Mario"

The Pittsburgh Penguins made history in the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals with a thrilling victory that ended the Penguins' 16-year championship drought and brought home their third Stanley Cup title.

Sidney Crosby, who at 21 years and 10 months became the youngest captain in NHL history to win the Stanley Cup, recalled Lemieux's message as instrumental in the win.

Crosby said:

"It's Game 7. There are so many nerves, You know that someone is winning the Cup that night. Just to get that bred confidence amongst the group."

For Mario Lemieux, it was a milestone moment, marking his third Stanley Cup win. Lemieux had previously won back-to-back Cups as a player in 1990-91 and 1991-92. This time, he celebrated as the team's owner. Lemieux's success didn't stop there; he went on to win two more consecutive Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins, defeating the San Jose Sharks in 2016 and the Nashville Predators in 2017.

From one great to another: Mario Lemieux congratulates Sidney Crosby on becoming Pittsburgh Penguins' all-time assists leader

NHL: Stanley Cup Final-Pittsburgh Penguins at San Jose Sharks - Source: Imagn

The Pittsburgh Penguins witnessed history in the making as Sidney Crosby surpassed Mario Lemieux's long-standing record to become the franchise's all-time assists leader. This remarkable achievement came in Crosby's 20th consecutive season with the Penguins, as he scored his 1,034th career assist in a thrilling 3-2 win over the New York Islanders.

Lemieux, a legendary captain who played 17 seasons for the Pittsburgh Penguins between 1984-2005 and led them to two consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 1990-91 and 1991-92, congratulated Sidney Crosby after the game on adding another impressive milestone to his illustrious career.