Sidney Crosby just hit another incredible milestone, joining Penguins legend Mario Lemieux in the exclusive 1,000-assist club.
It took Crosby 1,310 games to reach the mark. Lemieux did it faster – in just 915 games – but that was during the high-scoring 1980s and early ’90s when goalies had a much tougher time.
These two Pittsburgh icons are easily among the 10 best players to ever lace up skates in the NHL.
Crosby’s not done climbing the record books either. He’s now 12th all-time in assists with a real shot at moving up even higher this season. He needs just 15 more assists to pass the legendary Gordie Howe (1,049) for the 10th spot. Marcel Dionne sits at number 11 with 1,040.
Between them, Crosby and Lemieux pretty much own the Penguins’ record book. Sid’s got the most games played, assists, even-strength goals, game-winners, and shots. Mario still holds the marks for total goals, power-play goals, and shorthanded goals.
Speaking of goals, Crosby’s still chasing Lemieux there – he’s 98 behind Mario’s 690. That one might be tough to catch.
But the total points record? That’s within reach. Crosby’s just 87 points away from passing his mentor.
At 37, Sid’s not slowing down much. He just signed on for three more years in Pittsburgh – one more on his current deal plus a two-year extension.
Here’s what’s really amazing: if he keeps up his point-per-game pace this season, he’ll break Wayne Gretzky’s record with 20 straight seasons at that level.
Not bad for a kid from Cole Harbour who’s been the face of hockey for nearly two decades.
