There is an entire generation of Pittsburgh Penguins fans who only know one era of black-and-yellow hockey.

On Tuesday night, Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin took the ice to begin their 18th season together as teammates.

Not only is that the most seasons by any trio in NHL history, but it’s now the longest tenure of any group of three teammates in the history of the four North American big leagues.

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Three members of the New York Yankees’ “Core Four” previously held the record, as Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada suited up in navy blue pinstripes for 17 seasons together. Andy Pettitte is the other member of the Core Four, but he briefly spent time with the Houston Astros and retired before a comeback to the big leagues.

Crosby was the first overall selection of the 2005 NHL Draft and wasted zero time, making his NHL debut when that season started and notching his first point in that game. Crosby, of course, has lived up to the billing and hype he has received, as he is now a nine-time All-Star and two-time Hart Trophy winner and made the 2010s All-Decade first team.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) looks on during the first period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Chicago Blackhawks on April 11, 2023, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.  (Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Malkin was the second overall pick in 2004 and made his NHL debut two years later. He won the Hart Trophy in 2012 and has had seven All-Star nods.

Letang, a six-time All-Star, was the 62nd overall selection in 2005, the same year Crosby was selected with the top spot.

Perhaps there was a passing of the torch of some sort in the game. Meeting face to face with Crosby at center ice for the opening face-off was Connor Bedard, who was making his NHL debut.

Bedard was the No. 1 selection in this year’s NHL Draft and has drawn comparisons to Crosby, his childhood hero. Like Crosby, there was no doubt that Bedard would be taken first overall, as he has been considered can’t-miss. Also like his childhood hero, Bedard recorded an assist in his NHL debut. Bedard, 18, was just 20 days old when Crosby played in his first NHL game.

Sidney Crosby, #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Connor Bedard, #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks, prepare for a face-off at PPG PAINTS Arena on October 10, 2023, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  (Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images)

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The Penguins trio have won three Stanley Cups together, including back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017. However, their 18th season kicked off with a loss to Bedard’s Chicago Blackhawks.

Indianapolis Colts rookie sensation Anthony Richardson will have to sit out for a minimum of four games as he works his way back to the football field from a shoulder injury. The team officially placed the 21-year-old quarterback on injured reserve on Wednesday.

Richardson’s shoulder hit the turf hard in the first half of the Colts’ Week 5 victory over the Tennessee Titans. Colts head coach Shane Steichen said there was no timeline for Richardson’s return.

 “We’ll continue to evaluate that process,” Steichen said. “Don’t have a timetable to return.”

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Richardson has endured a few injury setbacks early on in his NFL career. He entered concussion protocol after he suffered a head injury in the Week 2 game against the Houston Texans. Gardner Minshew handled the starting duties for Indy’s Week 3 overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens.

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The Colts will face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Indy then have matchups against the Browns, Saints and Panthers. The Colts currently sit at 3-2 and are in a tie with the Jags for first place in the AFC South division.

Longtime team owner Jim Irsay took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to confirm Wednesday’s roster move.

Minshew has thrown two touchdowns and no interceptions since he has been thrust into action in place of an injured Richardson so far this season.

Steichen expressed confidence about Minshew’s ability to fill in, no matter how long Richardson remains unavailable.

“It gets tough when a guy gets dinged up, and he’s been dinged up,” Steichen said earlier this week. “He’s obviously a very, very talented player, and it’s tough. But we have a lot of faith in Gardner to step in and go operate the way he’s been doing.”

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson winces in pain after being injured during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, October 8, 2023, in Indianapolis.  (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Steichen has some familiarity with Minshew, having coached him last season when he was the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles. Mishew started a couple of games last season when star quarterback Jalen Hurts suffered a shoulder injury.

“I think he’s an elite processor of the game. You’ve got a guy that can process the game quickly and make quick decisions. He’s really good, he’s accurate, he knows where to go with the football at the right time and the right place, and he’s been awesome for us,” Steichen said in reference to Minshew.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) runs for a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the first half of an NFL football game in Houston, Sunday, September 17, 2023.  (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Richardson also missed time during the Colts’ season opener due to what was later described as knee soreness. 

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Sam Ehlinger has been elevated to the No. 2 quarterback for Sunday’s game. The Colts also added Kellen Mond to the practice squad.