Sep 19, 2005 3 min read

PITTSBURGH (AP) – Thousands of fans flocked to Mellon Arena in the last few days to catch their first glimpse of rookie sensation Sidney Crosby. The first-overall draft pick didn’t disappoint, playing to rave reviews from onlookers and Penguins personnel alike.

“It’s only four days in or whatever, but in the intrasquad games, his ice presence is tremendous,” coach Eddie Olczyk said.

Crosby and the Penguins now take their show on the road as they head to Columbus for their first exhibition game Monday.

Crosby, 18, won’t play against the Blue Jackets, but will likely play his first NHL game Wednesday in Wilkes-Barre, the home of the team’s American Hockey League affiliate, against Boston.

He will likely see action in approximately five of the Penguins’ nine preseason games before the team opens the regular season Oct. 5 in New Jersey.

“It’s not up to me and I told myself don’t worry about it,” Crosby said. “It’s just, when they tell you to play, make sure you’re ready.”

The Penguins will move their training camp workouts to Wilkes-Barre through Saturday before returning to Pittsburgh on Sept. 26, but throughout his first week in Pittsburgh, Crosby has been dazzling.

He scored two goals, six points and led all scorers in the tournament until 2002 third-round pick Erik Christiansen stole the show with five goals in his last game.

For the first two games, Crosby took his shift between Mark Recchi and John LeClair, who have four 50-goal seasons, 12 All-Star Game appearances and two Stanley Cup championships between them.

LeClair sat out the final two games because of scheduled treatments on his surgically repaired back, but the center gleaned quite a bit from the two former Philadelphia Flyers linemates.

“To be around them in the (dressing) room and ask them about things and the way they communicate, they’re very good at communicating and making sure that everyone’s where they’re supposed to be,” Crosby said. “Just being around them and seeing their habits is the biggest thing for me.”

When he does take the ice in the preseason, he will more than likely be on the ice with Mario Lemieux, who opted not to play in the intrasquad tournament but participated in daily practice sessions.

Lemieux has already made it known that he would prefer to play on the left wing with Crosby at center and either Recchi or free agent acquisition Ziggy Palffy on the right.

“I think it’s too early” for line combinations, Olczyk said.

“He will be in the middle but I’d like to get at least two-thirds of a forward line together that might be playing together come Oct. 5 in New Jersey.”

No matter who takes his flank, be it and established veteran like Lemieux or and up-and-coming talent like Ryan Malone, Crosby won’t be disappointed.

“These are all great players,” Crosby said. “In the NHL everyone is good and you’re happy to play with anyone.”