Sidney Crosby just made Pittsburgh Penguins history, and he did it in style.
During Sunday’s 4-3 win over Montreal, Crosby notched his 1,724th career point with a sweet assist to Rickard Rakell in the first period. That number pushed him past Penguins legend Mario Lemieux to become the franchise’s all-time points leader.
It’s pretty amazing when you think about it – Crosby’s been wearing the black and gold for 21 years now, longer than any other player in team history.
He’s already got more assists than Lemieux (1,079 to 1,033), though he’s still chasing “Le Magnifique” in the goals department. Crosby needs 45 more to catch Mario there.
But this isn’t just about numbers. Crosby’s helped bring three Stanley Cups to the Steel City, and he’s done it all with one team – something that’s becoming pretty rare in today’s NHL.
What makes this record even more special? He broke it while the Penguins are fighting for a playoff spot, showing he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
“It’s special,” Crosby said after the game. “Mario’s meant so much to this organization and to me personally. To be in this company, it’s hard to put into words.”
The 36-year-old captain isn’t showing any signs of slowing down either. He’s still putting up points at an impressive rate and leading by example on the ice.
When Crosby eventually decides to hang up his skates, he’ll go down as not just the most productive Penguin ever – but one of the greatest to ever play the game.
And he’s not done yet.
