TAMPA — Bryan Rust, in his fourth NHL game, was placed on a line with Sidney Crosby. The Penguins were dropping like flies because of the mumps and Crosby has a preference for fast linemates, so the idea made sense.
After 20 minutes of hockey, the experiment was abruptly halted. Rust displayed what could politely be described as a lack of humility with the puck and this didn't particularly mesh well given that the world's best player rather enjoys having the puck on his stick.
Three years later, Rust smiles at the memory of those early days in a Penguins' sweater.