Crosby Makes History by Surpassing Lemieux in Penguins Record Book
Sidney Crosby, captain for the Pittsburgh Penguins during a game against the New York Islanders at PPG Paints Arena. Photo by Michael Miller
Written by Gina Anton
Pittsburgh, PA. — On a night when the Penguins needed a spark, Sidney Crosby delivered history. With a goal and an assist in a tightly contested game at PPG Paints Arena, Crosby recorded the point that pushed him past Mario Lemieux as the Penguins’ all-time leader in career points, etching his name atop one of the most storied record books in the NHL.
The milestone came in front of a home crowd that understood the weight of the moment. As arena rose to its feet, Crosby’s latest achievement served as both a celebration of the present and a reflection on a career that has defined an era of Penguins hockey.
Sidney Crosby did not arrive in the NHL quietly, but even by his own towering standards, few could have predicted how completely he would come to define the Pittsburgh Penguins. From the moment he stepped onto NHL ice as a teenager, Crosby carried expectations that would have crushed most players. Nearly two decades later, he has not only met them but he has built a legacy that now stands among the most enduring in franchise history.
Crosby’s climb to becoming the Penguins’ all-time points leader is a story shaped by elite talent, resilience, and constant evolution. Selected first overall in the 2005 NHL Draft, he entered the league branded as “The Next One,” a nickname that followed him into every rink. The pressure was immediate, and so was the production. Crosby recorded 102 points as a rookie, offering an early glimpse of the player he was capable of becoming.
What separated Crosby early on was not only his skill but also his obsession with detail. Coaches and teammates quickly learned that his work ethic matched, and often exceeded his natural ability. By his third season, he had captured the Hart Trophy and established himself as the face of a franchise that had recently teetered on the brink of relocation.
Then came the setbacks. Injuries threatened to derail what appeared to be a generational career, with concussions and extended absences raising legitimate questions about how long Crosby could remain at the top of the game. Instead of fading, he adapted. He refined his approach, leaned into intelligence and strength, and reshaped his game. When the Penguins returned to championship form, Crosby remained at the center of it all, lifting the Stanley Cup three times and redefining leadership in the process.
Surpassing Mario Lemieux atop the Penguins’ all-time points list carries weight not because it diminishes Lemieux’s legacy, but because it bridges two eras of greatness. Lemieux saved hockey in Pittsburgh. Crosby sustained it. Through rule changes, a faster game, and a league that constantly evolved to slow him down, Crosby carried the franchise forward.
The moment itself reflected that significance. Crosby was surrounded by Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell behind the net as the other Penguins cheered to celebrate their captain. Later in the night, the arena fell silent as a brief video message from Mario Lemieux appeared on the scoreboard, offering his congratulations on the milestone.
"I knew when we played together in 2005 that you were going to be a very special player and accomplish a lot of great things in your career," Lemieux said in the message. "Here we are 20 years later; you're now one of the best to ever play the game."
Crosby spoke with deep respect about his bond with Lemieux, who served as an early mentor in his career and even shared a home with him during those formative years in Pittsburgh.
“You grow up watching him; you never expect you're going to make it to the NHL, let alone play with him. He was a big part of helping me out and a huge influence on me,” Crosby said. “Having an opportunity to play on the same line and connect on a few goals—those are things that I'll always remember. The impact he's had on me, this team, and hockey in general is pretty amazing.”
Now in the later stages of his career, Crosby continues to accumulate points not out of nostalgia, but necessity. The Penguins still rely on him because he continues to deliver. This milestone does not signal a closing chapter but rather serves as a reflection of everything that led to it. His discipline, durability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
