WASHINGTON, D.C. Sidney Crosby is considered one of the greatest athletes of his generation, a renowned figure for Canadian hockey and simultaneouslyone of the most hated, yet respected, players Allan Winans Jersey in the NHL. In Pittsburgh, however, it is simple. Crosby is the patron saint of Penguins hockey, a deity in the mold of Mario Lemieux. And in Game 1 against the Washington Capitals on Thursday night, scoring game-tying goal and adding an a sist on Jake Guentzels eventual winner as part of a three-goal rally and a 3-2 victory. Hes the ultimate competitor, Penscoach Mike Sullivan said. Pittsburgh's captain has 64 goals and179 points in 155 career postseason games, not to mention three Stanley Cup championships, since 2009. So far this spring, with a Threepeat in his sights, Crosby is on a mi sion with seven goals and 15 points in seven playoff games. Hes going every game, but when hes shooting and scoring, thats good for us, defenseman Brian Dumoulin said. MORE : Predictions, odds for Capitals vs. Penguins second-round series For the second consecutive spring, Guentzel has the good fortune of chasing a Stanley Cup with Sid as his linemate. We complement each other well, Said Guentzel, who has seven goals and a team-high 16 points already after tallying a league-best 13 playoff goals as a rookie last year. Whenever you play with Sid, he makes it pretty easy for you and he opens up a lot of space for you as well. Crosbys ability also lies far beyond his terrific skill and stats. Sullivan cites Crosbys unparalleled resilience and effort and that hes unfazed by whatever situation the team finds itself in, even when down a couple goals or without key players in the lineup due to injury, like on Thursday. He always tries to bring his best every night, Sullivan said. Regardle s of how the game goes or the adversity we face through it, he just has a certain determination that leads the team. Part of that determination seems to show in the opening games of postseason series. Throughout his career, Crosby has routinely set the tone with strong Game One performances which was showcased again in Washington on Thursday. I think early on especially, youre just focused on going out there and playing and you make adjustments as you go along, Crosby said. For sure things will tighten up with each game as teams adjust. I dont have a great explanation (why he is historically so good in series openers). MORE : Capitals seek better way forward in latest clash with Penguins His calming presence and leadership also set an important tone in Game 1 against the Caps, even as the Penguins fell behind 2-0 early in the third period. You just have to stay with it right from Sid, he led the way for us, and then its right down the lineup, explained Guentzel. Down 2-0 in the final period? No problem. Alex Ovechkin scoring on the other side? No problem. Evgeni Malkin mi sing from the lineup? No problem because the Penguins have Sidney Crosby. Tune in Sunday for Game 2 in Washington and see what Sid the Kidhas in store next. Travis Demeritte Jersey