Crosby also challenges those around him, which has expedited the progression of 24-year-old linemates Conor Sheary and Bryan Rust, who each have 10 goals this season.
"I think last year was a little bit of a different experience, obviously coming up in your rookie season here," Sheary said. "You're kind of looking at the top guys as kind of stars still and you're kind of fans of them. So to play alongside him was a little bit different. I think this year I'm a little more comfortable with him.
"He's obviously a big communicator on the bench. When he sees a play, he'll tell you. I think that's good because if you don't learn from him, you're not going to learn how to play with him."
Three months ago Sheary wasn't sure if he'd have Crosby's on-ice leadership.
On Oct. 7, Crosby sustained a concussion during his second practice back from captaining Team Canada to the championship at the World Cup of Hockey 2016. He awoke the following morning with a headache severe enough to warrant missing the Penguins' final preseason game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
After missing the first six regular-season games, he scored four goals in three games.
"I think I was more just hoping that it would be a short time," Crosby said of his recovery from the concussion. "It was something I had been through before. I knew that I just had to be patient with it. The fact that I was able to skate pretty early on was a good sign. It was a lot easier for me to stay patient, knowing I was closer. So I think if anything it was a little more encouraging just by the way I felt and the way I improved that things were going to be OK.
"You never know, but I was encouraged by everything."