Sidney Crosby breaks franchise record for assists

PITTSBURGH –

Sidney Crosby, the captain of the Penguins, has reached a remarkable milestone in his career.

During a 3-2 victory over the New York Islanders, Crosby surpassed Mario Lemieux’s record for the most assists in franchise history.

Lemieux, in a statement released by the team, praised Crosby for his achievement, stating, “He’s an amazing player, and we’re lucky to have him in Pittsburgh. I look forward to seeing even more great things from him in the future.”

The historic moment came in the second period when Crosby made a backhand pass to Michael Bunting, who scored a power-play goal, giving the Penguins a 2-0 lead. The arena erupted with applause as Crosby acknowledged the crowd with a wave of his glove.

Crosby’s assist total now stands at 1,034, placing him 12th on the NHL’s all-time list. He joins the elite company of players like Ray Bourque, Wayne Gretzky, and Steve Yzerman as one of the top assist leaders with a single team.

Reflecting on the achievement, Crosby expressed his gratitude towards his predecessors and the support from the fans, stating, “It’s really nice to be part of that company and to receive such a warm reception.”

In a game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Crosby tied the record with a goal and three assists before officially breaking it against the Islanders. Despite a brief confusion in a previous game, Crosby’s accomplishment stands as a testament to his consistency and skill.

Mario Lemieux, a Penguins legend and Crosby’s mentor, led the team to their first two Stanley Cup victories as a player. Crosby later captained the Penguins to three more championships, solidifying his place among the greats of the game.

Penguins coach Mike Sullivan praised Crosby’s milestone, emphasizing his status as one of the best players in NHL history. “He’s one of the best to ever play,” Sullivan remarked.