LDN - Sports

Penguins' victory parade attracts 650,000 fans

[June 15, 2017] (The Sports Xchange) - Sidney Crosby has seen it all during his decorated hockey career, but the "Face of the NHL" was blown away by the estimated 650,000 faces staring back at him on Wednesday.

The Penguins captain reveled in the moment as the City of Pittsburgh honored the team after it repeated as Stanley Cup champion with Sunday's 2-0 win in Game Six against the Nashville Predators.

"Look at this scene. This is what it's all about," said Crosby, who joined his teammates riding in pickup trucks, convertible cars and buses in a parade that began on Grand Street and ended at Point State Park.

"We worked all year to get to this point. Thanks for your support. We couldn't do it without you. That Game Five (a 6-0 home win by Pittsburgh) is something I think we'll all remember. Thanks for showing up today, and let's try to do this again next year."

The two-time reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner occasionally jumped out of his vehicle to give fans a close look at the Stanley Cup and allow them to take pictures.

The Penguins, who captured their second straight Stanley Cup championship and fifth in franchise history, became the first team to repeat as champion since the Detroit Red Wings in 1997-98.

The Steel City is no stranger to championship parades, as Wednesday's festivities accounted for the fifth such sports-related event in Pittsburgh in the past dozen years. The NFL's Steelers celebrated Super Bowl victories for the 2005 and 2008 seasons while the Penguins have won titles in 2009, 2016 and 2017.

"I remember it last year, and it was the best part of winning the Cup," said Patric Hornqvist, who scored the Cup-clinching goal with just 1:35 remaining in a scoreless Game Six against his former team. "And the same thing this year.

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Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) holds the Stanley Cup while fans look on from a parking garage during the Stanley Cup championship parade and rally in downtown Pittsburgh. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

"This is something you're never going to forget."

The City of Pittsburgh estimated 400,000 fans attended last year's championship parade.

"This team's been through a lot, and you guys (the fans) have been there every step of the way," Coach Mike Sullivan said. "I said a little something last year and saying if we could do this again ... I wonder if we could repeat, or three-peat, should I say."

(Editing by Gene Cherry)

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