
Two-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner Sidney Crosby is deep into the hunt for his second Stanley Cup with the Penguins.
Pitted against the Sharks in the Cup Final, the center is highly motivated, and not slowing down.
"I think I appreciated it prior to going through some of those things," Crosby told NHL.com's Dan Rosen, reflecting on past runs. "I think now, having gone through those things, I definitely appreciate it more.
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"I realize how tough it is to get to this point. I'm definitely motivated to win," he added.
[KURZ: Sharks have 'really come together' in making first-ever Final]
The three-time first-team All-Star hasn't been to a Stanley Cup Final in seven years. In his last visit, the Penguins were successful, and Crosby at 21 years old became the youngest captain in NHL history to lead his team to Lord Stanley's trophy.
If the talented forward can win the Stanley Cup again, Crosby will match Hockey Hall of Famer and Penguins legend Mario Lemieux for most championships won by a single franchise player.
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"It'd be nice to get another one, no doubt," Crosby said. "I'll do everything I can to try to do it."
Crosby has 15 points in 18 playoff games this year, placing him ninth. Sharks forwards Logan Couture (24), Joe Pavelski (22) and Brent Burns (20), however, are the top-three point leaders in the NHL playoffs.
Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Penguins and Sharks begins Monday at 5pm PT at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh.