Sidney Crosby catches flying stick and retrieves it for teammate (Video)

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby caught a flying stick and retrieved it for teammate Patric Hornqvist.  

We are all aware of the skillset Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby possesses. He has tremendous hands and incredible vision on the ice. He showed that again in a way that we are usually accustomed to seeing during Wednesday’s game against the Washington Capitals.

More from NHL

• NHL Rumors: Legendary Patrice Bergeron retires, which 3 players could be next to hang up their skates?
• NHL Rumors: Latest on Hart, Hellebuyck, Gibson trade possibilities
• NHL Rumors: 5 forwards most likely to sign early extensions this summer
• NHL Rumors: Where things stand with Erik Karlsson, Penguins and Hurricanes
• NHL Rumors: Penguins nearly traded for Erik Karlsson at deadline

The Capitals were down low in the Penguins zone. A pass came out in the slot to Capitals’ Eric Fehr and Penguins’ Patric Hornqvist reached to get his stick in front of the shot to block the shot. He was able to get in the way of the shot, but his stick went flying out of his hands in the process.

Fortunately for Hornqvist, his captain was nearby and has incredible awareness.

Crosby was able to catch his teammate’s stick with his own and give it right back to Hornqvist. It may just look like something cool that Crosby did, but it was a very smart play by Crosby. A hockey player on the ice without his stick is about as useless shoveling snow with your hands. Hornqvist probably wouldn’t have had to time to go and retrieve his stick by himself, Crosby was aware of this and helped his teammate out.

If Crosby didn’t do what he did and Hornqvist was forced to play defense without a stick, it could have very well resulted in a goal for the Capitals. Instead, Hornqvist got his stick back and was able to play proper defense. The Penguins ended up winning the game 4-3.

While it was a very impressive, heads-up play by Crosby, it’s not the first time we’ve seen a player retrieve a teammates stick with his own stick. This one from a league overseas (I believe it’s a Russian league but I’m not certain) has always been my favorite.

H/T Next Impulse Sports

More from FanSided

• Joe Burrow owes Justin Herbert a thank you note after new contract
• Chiefs gamble at wide receiver could already be biting them back
• Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
• Yankees: Aaron Boone gives optimistic return date for Aaron Judge
• MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle