Penguins’ Crosby ready to accept the puppy challenge

Sens fan Warren Jansen joins Hockey Central at Noon to discuss the story behind promising his kids a puppy after Bobby Ryan’s goal against the Rangers on Sunday.

First Bobby Ryan, then Cam Atkinson, and now for some true superstar power.

The puppy challenge is the latest fad to pop up in the NHL, and its next participant could be Sidney Crosby.

The Pittsburgh Penguins captain said he’s willing to help a young fan get a dog by scoring a goal, if he’s asked.

“Sure. There’s a few of those going around. I’ve seen that, actually,” Crosby said Tuesday.

Both the Ottawa Senators’ Ryan and Columbus Blue Jackets’ Atkinson scored in games over the past few days in which fans had shown up to the arena with signs stating they would get a puppy if they could find the back of the net.

Atkinson delivered a hat trick in the Blue Jackets’ 5-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens Monday.

Crosby and the Penguins host the New Jersey Devils Tuesday night.

“Hopefully there’s a lot of kids getting puppies there,” said Crosby.

The 28-year-old centre has 16 goals on the season and is currently riding a six-game point streak. Get your dogs while Sid’s hot, Western Pennsylvania youth.

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