Another year, another Stanley Cup championship Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
At least the digital versions of them.
The official NHL23 simulation conducted by EA Sports has Crosby and the Penguins raising the Cup again in the Steel City.
The virtual Penguins defeated the real-life 2022 Stanley Cup champions, the Colorado Avalanche, in the video game version of the Cup Final. The beat the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Eastern Conference Final while the Avalanche topped the Edmonton Oilers.
The Penguins won the Cup without winning their own division. The New York Rangers were crowned in the Metropolitan Division. The Florida Panthers, Avalanche and Calgary Flames took home the Atlantic, Central and Pacific Divisions, respectively.
As for awards, Oilers captain Connor McDavid was named virtual Hart Trophy winner. He also took home the Ted Lindsey Award and the Art Ross Trophy. Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom took home the Vezina Trophy.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Austin Matthews won the simulated Rocket Richard Trophy while Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar won the Norris. Buffalo Sabers rookie Owen Power won the virtual Calder Trophy.
As for the simulated Conn Smythe? Who else but Crosby.
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