Penguins celebrate Crosby, Malkin, Letang’s 20th season together

The Pittsburgh Penguins “Big Three” skated into their second decade together.

Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang were honored by the Penguins before their 20^th season with the team during player introductions at PPG Paints Arena on Thursday.

A special tribute video aired on the arena video board of highlights of the trio throughout their 20 years as teammates. They became the first trio to play 20 seasons together in North American sports history.

Together, the Penguins teammates have won three Stanley Cup championships (2009, 2016-17).

“This is a unique circumstance with how long that, you know, we’ve played together,” Crosby said in a voiceover. “What we’ve been through. It’s just not common and there’s no real blueprint. Hopefully, the fans and the organization have felt how much it’s meant to us as players to be a part of the team for as long as we have.”

Former teammate and Penguins legend Mario Lemieux visited the "big three" in the locker room after the Penguins 4-3 win over the New York Islanders. The team posted a video of them posing for a picture with Malkin's son, Nikita.

After the game, Malkin talked about how meaningful it's been suiting up alongside Crosby and Letang for two decades.

“It’s very special. Time is flying," Malkin said. "I feel like 20 years ago, it’s one day. It’s amazing. Love to play with Sid and [Letang]. Same team together [for] 20 years. It’s special. People talk a lot about that. I try to do my best. Who knows? Maybe [it's my] last year. I do my best and try to help the team to win. Sid, a special kid. [Letang], too. Lots of [memories], lots of wins together. Keep going.”

-NHL.com Independent Correspondent Wes Crosby contributed to this report.