Penguins’ Sidney Crosby moves into ninth all-time in NHL scoring

It’s another step toward the Hall of Fame for one of the game’s greatest players.

In the first period of a game on Thursday night against the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby registered a secondary assist on Drew O’Connor’s goal to give his team a 4-1 lead.

Not only was it a big goal to give the Penguins a sizeable lead against one of the most skilled teams in the league, but it was also the 1,642nd point of his NHL career, moving him into ninth all-time in points.

Crosby came into the night one point behind Hockey Hall of Famer and former Colorado Avalanche captain Joe Sakic on the league’s all-time scoring list. The Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia native picked up an assist on Bryan Rust’s goal earlier in the first period. He followed that up by scoring a power-play goal in the second period.

Crosby’s next target is Penguins legend Mario Lemieux, who is eighth all-time with 1,723 points. Given how productive Crosby has been over the past couple of seasons, that number is certainly attainable.

The 2024-25 season has already been filled with milestones for the three-time Stanley Cup champion. Back in November, Crosby potted the 600th goal of his illustrious career, becoming the 21st player in NHL history to accomplish the feat. Then, just a couple of weeks ago, he posted his 1,034th career assist, surpassing Lemieux for the most helpers in franchise history.

Even at the age of 37, Crosby continues to prove he is one of the best players in the NHL. The two-time Hart Trophy winner has been in the MVP conversation for the last couple of years for how he has dragged the Penguins into the postseason, or at least the playoff conversation.

This year is no different. Crosby currently leads the Pens with 35 assists and 47 points following another multi-point performance.

The Penguins (17-17-8) are fifth in the Metropolitan Division, just outside of a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.