Sidney Crosby has been a key piece of the rivalry between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers. The teams have been archrivals for decades, and the fan bases allegedly despise each other.

Their matchups are referred to as the “Battle of Pennsylvania,” as the two cities are only 300 miles apart. They will battle again in this year’s playoffs. Crosby shared his thoughts on the rivalry and how it began on Thursday.

“Well, I think it was there before I started playing,” Crosby said on “The Pat McAfee Show.” “So, I think I was told about it, I heard about it, but I hadn’t really experienced it. And then my first game, I got to figure out pretty quickly what it was all about.

“So, I think there wasn’t much of a feeling-out process there. I think it was everything I expected and more right from the start. And then you throw in the playoff series, and you throw the history that’s been there for so long. Yeah, just exactly what I thought and more.”

The last time the two teams met in the postseason was in 2019. Crosby and Evgeni Malkin led the Penguins to a 4-2 series victory.

Sidney Crosby is excited that the Penguins will compete in the playoffs

The Penguins have been dominant this season. They ended the regular season second in the Metropolitan Division with 98 points from 82 games. Pittsburgh returns to the playoffs for the first time since 2022.

Sidney Crosby expressed his excitement on Thursday and shared what it means to him and the team.

“This is what you play for, the opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup,” Crosby said, via DK Pittsburgh Sports. “And after some years not being able to do it, I think you appreciate it even more. The regular season’s done, so everyone starts fresh here now and everybody’s excited for the opportunity.”

Crosby has been one the Penguins’ most consistent performers, recording 29 goals and 45 assists for 74 points in 68 games.