Penguins’ Sidney Crosby passes Gordie Howe for 10th in all-time NHL assists

Another feather in the cap for Sid the Kid.

During a game on Sunday afternoon against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby surpassed the legend Gordie Howe for 10th all-time in assists in NHL history.

Crosby accomplished the feat by picking up two assists against the Maple Leafs. After tying Howe with a secondary assist on Rickard Rakell’s goal in the first period, the Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia native surpassed Mr. Hockey by assisting on Bryan Rust’s tally late in the second frame. The second helper was the 1,050th of No. 87’s illustrious career.

The next player on the all-time assists list is another Detroit Red Wings legend, Steve Yzerman, who picked up 1,063 assists in his 22-year career.

That wasn’t the only milestone that Crosby hit on Sunday. In an entertaining first period that saw a total of five goals scored, Crosby potted the 611th goal of his NHL tenure, pushing him by former Chicago Black Hawk Bobby Hull for 18th all-time in goals, all-time.

The 37-year-old leads all active skaters in assists and is second in goals, trailing only Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, who is closing in on Wayne Gretzky’s record 894 goals.

Crosby is the Penguins’ all-time leader in games played (1,333) and assists and is second in goals and points (1,661) to franchise legend Mario Lemieux, who potted 690 goals and 1,723 points during his Hall of Fame career.

With three points against Toronto, Crosby bolstered his lead in team scoring, having potted 65 assists through 61 appearances this season.

During his 20-year career, Crosby has won the Art Ross Trophy twice, the Hart Trophy twice and won the Conn Smythe Trophy in two of the three Stanley Cups the team has won during his tenure.