At the rate the Penguins and Sabres are going right now, their matchup on Saturday was bound to result in some electric offense from Pittsburgh. Little did the Sabres know they'd be lit up halfway through the game by the world's best hockey player.
Pittsburgh headed into the third period up 6-1, thanks in large part to five assists from Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby. You might think that he reached his third career five-assist game through secondary assists. You'd be wrong.
As it turns out, Crosby was the main catalyst for each of Pittsburgh's first five goals. He set up a perfect shot for Kris Letang to open the scoring.
It was then his pass from the left circle that led to Pittsburgh's first power play goal.
Crosby then navigated through three Sabres to help Kris Letang score his second goal of the game. At this point it was 3-0 with five minutes left in the first period.
The Penguins simply outskilled the Sabres down low in the offensive zone on Saturday. For example, here's Crosby's fourth assist of the game.
Finally, the Penguins extended the lead to five goals when Crosby set up a Robert Bortuzzo goal off the rush for his fifth assist in about half an hour.
At least this game brings the Sabres one step closer to having the "next Sidney Crosby": Connor McDavid.