Crosby Honors Fleury at QMJHL Hall of Fame Induction

Before they won three Stanley Cups together, Sidney Crosby and Marc-Andre Fleury were junior opponents. Crosby leaned into that history in a congratulatory video for Fleury's QMJHL Hall of Fame induction, shared by the league on Thursday.

"Thinking back to those days it was awesome to play against you. I don't think I scored on you in the Q," Crosby said with a sly smile. "That changed when we got to the NHL. But you've had an incredible career. I'm really happy to see you get this achievement. I hope you enjoy the night with friends and family. Congratulations."

Crosby recalled his first game against Fleury in the QMJHL in Cape Breton, and the image that stuck: Fleury's bright yellow pads flying everywhere for the Eagles.

Then he got to what he thinks actually explains the 21-year NHL career, with an emotional Fleury watching.

"His attitude and mindset that he brought to the rink every day. He had a great attitude. I think no matter what was going on, whether we were winning or losing or things were going good or bad, he came with that same drive, that same energy, that enthusiasm, every single day," Crosby said. "That's contagious. That's fun to be around. You can see wherever he played that that's something that everyone who had the opportunity to play with him really appreciated."