Sidney Crosby spoke to the media with a heavy heart after the Pittsburgh Penguins lost 1-0 in overtime to the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 6 of the NHLs first-round series. The defeat ended their 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs run on April 29, and Crosby focused on how close the team came to forcing a Game 7.The Pittsburgh Penguins captain faced reporters after the game and summed up the fine margins. He said the team was a shot away from forcing a Game 7 back in Pittsburgh.Its unfortunate, Crosby said. I thought, especially the second half of that game, overtime, we had some really good looks. Were a shot away from going back to Pittsburgh for Game 7. So, you know, it just comes down to bounces sometimes, but putting yourself in that position is tough. But I think we all had a lot of belief that we could dig ourselves out of it, and I think our game showed that. Just unfortunate that we got behind early in the series.MORE: Travis Konecny under fire after dirty play targeting Sidney CrosbyThe defeat stung more because of the fight the Penguins showed. After falling into a 3-0 series hole, they clawed back with two straight wins. Crosby said that resilience defined the team all season.I think thats kind of been the identity of the group all year, Crosby said. So, I think thats something that weve done a really good job with, with adversity and fighting back and staying in it with everything thats gone on. So, yeah, we believe we come back, and like I said, we were right there.Game 6 turned into a tight, scoreless battle that stretched into overtime. Dan Vladar delivered a standout performance, stopping 42 shots to keep Pittsburgh off the board. Then, at 17:32 of overtime, Cam York buried the winner and sent the Flyers into the second round.Sidney Crosby talked about the Penguins fans expectationsCrosby did not hide the disappointment. He admitted the loss still felt raw and said perspective would come later. For now, the focus stayed on how close the Penguins were to extending their season.MORE: Wayne Gretzky warns to never count Sidney Crosby and Penguins outI think we understand the expectations coming in, that sort of thing, Crosby said. I dont think that takes away this thing from this anymore right now, but I think we have time to look back on the season. Theres a lot of things to like. So, I think thats probably the reality of it. But I think right now its still fresh with how close we are. I think we feel like we had an opportunity to get ourselves back in the series, and it just didnt work.Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) attempts to deflect a shot against Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim (6) in overtime in game six of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn ImagesThe Penguins return to the playoffs after a gap since 2022 showed progress. Crosby, still producing at a high level, led both on the ice and in the comeback push. Yet this exit leaves questions about what comes next as the veteran captain finished his 21st NHL season.