Nikita Malkin reveals the secret to Sidney Crosby's success this season.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have defied all expectations thus far this season with most fans and pundits predicting coming into the season that the Penguins would be one of the National Hockey League's bottom feeding teams this season.

Someone it seems forgot to give the Penguins that memo as they have battled throughout the season, despite dealing with injuries to key players such as captain Sidney Crosby at times, and currently find themselves in a playoff spot.

A big part of that success must be attributed to Crosby himself who at 38 years of age is having another incredible season with 28 goals and 41 assists for 69 points in just 65 games this season. So what is Crosby's secret to being so successful despite being older as far as NHL players are concerned?

Well over the weekend Nikita Malkin may have given us some insight into Crosby's secret weapon this season, a little superstition involving Malkin's young son. Following the Penguins dominant 9-4 victory over the Florida Panthers, we were treated to a video of Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Nikita Malkin hanging out in the Penguins locker room. It was at that moment that Nikita would reveal he was the real reason behind Crosby's success on the ice.

Sid: Hey did you watch warmup today?

Nikita: No

Sid: I didn't see you there, were you late?

Nikita: No, I didn't want to go!

Evgeni: Why?

Nikita: Every time I don't go he(pointing at Crosby) scores at least one goal! Every time I go he scores

Evgeni: I hope you don't come tomorrow.(While high fiving his son.)

It is a truly must-see type of interaction between two of our sport's most beloved athletes and one of their young children, and thankfully the Penguins caught it all on video.