The Pittsburgh Penguins took on the St. Louis Blues at the PPG Paints Arena on March 13 and beat the challengers 5-3 on home ground. This was the Pens’ third win in a row, with stars Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust firing on all cylinders to propel the Pens to a win. While even a hat trick of wins may not be enough for the team to make the playoffs, tonight was special for a different reason.

The Penguins celebrated the 2025 edition of their annual Pride Night on home ice. “It’s a hockey and Pride night in Pittsburgh!” the Pens posted on social media, and Crosby & Co. didn’t miss the chance to show their solidarity for equality and inclusivity in sports. NHL.com’s Pittsburgh correspondent Wes Crosby revealed how they did it with a simple gesture.

“Sidney Crosby is using pride tape on the knob of his stick. Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust each have their blades taped in it. Think Alex Nedeljkovic too. For the Penguins’ Pride Night,” the reporter wrote on X. The Penguins captain’s heartfelt gesture won over a good portion of the fan base. “You are loved Sidney Crosby,” one fan commented in praise of the NHL star.

The NHL reporter was also confident that others taped up their gear in a similar fashion. “I’m sure others too. Just can’t tell all that well from up here,” added Wes Crosby. What’s more? This is far from the first time the Pens players have made it their mission to champion equality and inclusion in sports. Nor was taping their hockey sticks the only gesture the Pens made.

The official Pittsburgh Penguins page also announced a special auction to commemorate the 2025 Pride Night. “Everyone is welcome on our ice. Bid on our Pride auction featuring signed specialty pucks, custom autographed nameplates, and more,” Sidney Crosby’s team posted on the X. While the fans found all of it admirable, it’s the fact that the Pens have been consistent with their support that continues to win over fans.

Sidney Crosby & Co. have earned their love

“Love this man being that much-needed ally,” commented one Penguins’ fan about Crosby. The hockey fan wasn’t wrong because the 4 Nations Face-Off winner has been showing his support to the LGBTQA+ community. In fact, the Pens captain was among the first to voice his opinion when the NHL took the controversial step to ban rainbow-colored tape, albeit momentarily.

The NHL had its heart in the right place, when they suggested that altering jerseys or gear in support of social causes such as Hockey Fights Cancer, Military appreciation or Pride, might distract players on the ice. Bright-colored rainbow tape particularly got the axe. Sidney Crosby explained he did so, “Just to show my support, that’s basically it.”

“Everyone had the option, and I chose to do that,” said the NHL veteran. So when the NHL dropped the ban, Crosby, and the Penguins started using them again. No wonder, fans left comments like: “This is why I love @penguins,” on Wes Crosby’s post. That being said, the Canadian hockey star wasn’t the only one who earned praise from the fan base.

“Ned, my goat,” commented one fan, addressing goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic. The Pens’ goalie also taped his gear, as per the reporter. Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust also played a great game, scoring a goal and an assist each, with their pride tape draped hockey sticks. However, the Pens’ support for the social cause doesn’t just stop with Sidney Crosby and the players.

Coach Mike Sullivan backed his team’s heartfelt gesture. “I think they’re important because I think it speaks volumes for what the Penguins represent, and that’s inclusivity. We live in a polarizing world, and for the Penguins organization and our players to utilize the platform that we have for the right reasons, I think it’s a good thing,” added the coach.

Finally, one fan appreciated the fact that Sidney Crosby, despite following his strict pre-game rituals, has continued to be open about making changes for Pride Night. “Knowing how Sid is about his “routines” every time he uses pride tape, it means so much to me,” commented the fan. Yet, what did you think of the Penguins players’ gesture? Tell us in the comments.