Sidney Crosby cemented his legacy by surpassing Mario Lemieux to become the Pittsburgh Penguins’ all-time points leader during a 4-3 shootout victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday night. Crosby achieved the milestone with a goal and an assist in the first period, reaching 1,724 points in 1,387 games and moving past Lemieux’s 1,723 points in 915 games.
The record-tying moment came at 7:58 of the first period when Crosby tipped Erik Karlsson’s point shot for a goal. Just over five minutes later, he broke the record on a power play, as his shot deflected off Bryan Rust before Rickard Rakell tapped in the rebound behind Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes. Teammates immediately swarmed Crosby behind the net, and the Penguins bench emptied to celebrate their captain’s achievement.
Crosby, the first overall pick in 2005, now stands alone as the seventh outright points leader in the franchise’s 58-year history. His career totals of 645 goals and 1,079 assists also place him eighth on the NHL’s all-time points list. The milestone was particularly poignant given Crosby’s deep connection to Lemieux, who hosted him early in his career and was in the lineup for his first NHL point.
In a recorded video message played during the game, Lemieux congratulated Crosby, recalling their time together and acknowledging his impact on the sport. “I knew when we played together in 2005, that you were going to be a very special player,” Lemieux said, adding that Crosby is now “one of the best to ever play the game.” Crosby expressed immense gratitude, highlighting how Lemieux’s guidance shaped his career.
Beyond the franchise record, Crosby reached several other notable marks. He tied Adam Oates for the eighth-most assists in NHL history, passed Phil Esposito for sole possession of ninth in even-strength goals, and notched his 20th goal of the season—his 18th 20-goal campaign. Only six players in league history have more such seasons, underscoring his consistent excellence.
The victory also snapped an eight-game losing streak for the Penguins, providing a much-needed boost to their playoff hopes. Crosby participated in the shootout but did not score, yet his leadership on and off the ice was evident throughout the game. The emotional win at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh resonated with fans and players alike.
Looking ahead, Crosby is now 45 goals shy of Lemieux’s franchise record of 690 goals, a target he may pursue in future seasons. At 38, he continues to defy age, maintaining elite production and anchoring the Penguins’ offense. His achievement reinforces his status as one of hockey’s greatest players and a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh franchise.
This historic night not only celebrates Crosby’s individual brilliance but also marks a passing of the torch in Penguins lore, from one icon to another. As the team moves forward, Crosby’s record will stand as a testament to his durability, skill, and unwavering commitment to excellence in the NHL.
