The secret behind Crosby's backhand shot!

Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sat down with players, coaches and family to try and figure out why Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is just so damn good.

A big part of Crosby’s success is his proficiency with the backhand shot.

Crosby gave his father credit for getting him to focus on the backhander: “I remember my dad telling me to try and be comfortable on your backhand… I think it was something that probably came easy to me.”

“He can shoot anywhere he wants to… I think he has more control of it than most people. He’s more accurate, and it’s harder than a lot of other guys’ shots.” said long time teammate and friend Marc-Andre Fleury.

Young netminder Matt Murray thinks some of that comes down to Crosby’s stick, “It’s such a flat blade… Most guys have a pretty big hook, so on their backhand they’re at a significant disadvantage. His is pretty straight. That definitely gives him a huge advantage on the backhand.”

Yet more praise could be found from his teammates, “You definitely marvel at it, but when you play on a line with him, you appreciate it,” said young winger Conor Sheary. “You know when he’s coming down on his off-wing, can still make a play. I think his vision on his backhand is one of his biggest assets.”

You definitely marvel at it, but when you play on a line with him, you appreciate it,” Sheary said. “You know when he’s coming down on his off-wing, can still make a play. I think his vision on his backhand is one of his biggest assets.”

Sidney Crosby has 41 goals and 40 assists in 66 games this season, currently good for the most goals in the NHL and single point back from scoring leader Connor McDavid.