Fact check: Does Sidney Crosby get special treatment from the NHL? Evaluating comments made by Jim Montgomery

Without question, Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby has been the face of the NHL since making his debut in the 2005-2006 season. As one of the greatest players to ever play the game, Crosby has been one of the most successful players.

Throughout his 18 seasons in the NHL, Sidney Crosby has led the Penguins to three Stanley Cup titles, won the Hart Trophy as the league's MVP twice, and is a two-time winner of the Art Ross and Maurice Richard Awards.

"Vintage Sidney Crosby" - Brady Trettenero

All that being said, there is one glaring issue that many fans and people around the NHL have with Crosby is the alleged favoritism he is shown by the league. While it is something that has been brought up in his entire career, it has recently been brought back into the spotlight by Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery.

While Montgomery was critical of officiating during Saturday's matchup with the Pittsburgh Penguins, he also unapologetically called out something he calls the "Sid Rules". He claimed that the way the league officiates Crosby made him hesitant to challenge a goal during the matchup.

"Jim Montgomery comments on the NHL's favoritism towards Sidney Crosby." - Hockey Feed

"This is the third time l've been here where we challenge - you get it wrong sometimes. I call it the Sid Rules. He's a great player. He's a great player. And you know what, the league should take care of their superstars. That's why I was kind of hesitant about challenging it" the Bruins coach told the media.

While the NHL would never admit that they call Sidney Crosby differently than the average player, anyone who watches the game can seemingly tell that is the case. Much like superstars in other leagues such as LeBron James and Tom Brady, the NHL has seemingly made it their goal to protect their top superstars such as Crosby.

"@NHL You drool all over #sidneycrosby goal but don't mention the illegal stick to the groin of O'Reilly. Favoritism at its finest." - @Livinat40

A look at Sidney Crosby's most iconic moment

His most iconic moment may have come doing the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, scoring the gold-medal-winning goal against the United States. Dubbed "The Golden Goal", the now legendary goal not only helped Team Canada win the gold medal but helped Canada set the all-time gold medal count in Winter Olympic history.

"February 28, 2010. 13 years ago today. “Crosby, the Golden Goal!” Where were you?" - Ben Steiner