sidney crosby

Sidney Crosby on the Brink of History: Passing Mario Lemieux in Penguins’ Points Record

Sidney Crosby is no stranger to milestones, but the latest one on the horizon is more than just another accolade — it’s a historic moment for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Canadian hockey, and the legacy of one of the sport’s most iconic franchises. According to official reports from NHL.com, Crosby is poised to surpass Mario Lemieux as the all-time leading scorer in Penguins history this weekend, with a chance to do so in a marquee matchup against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.

For Canadian hockey fans — especially those in Ontario, Quebec, and across the NHL-loving provinces — this isn’t just about stats. It’s about the passing of a torch between two Canadian-born legends, both of whom have defined an era of hockey excellence.

The Moment That Could Change Everything

The buzz around Crosby’s impending record has reached 2,000+ traffic volume in recent days, signaling a surge in fan and media interest. While the exact source of the trend remains unverified, the NHL.com article confirms the timeline: Crosby could pass Lemieux’s franchise-leading point total as early as this weekend.

Currently, Lemieux holds the Penguins’ all-time record with 1,723 points (690 goals, 1,033 assists) in 915 games. Crosby, who has played 1,278 games as of December 2025, sits just points away from that mark. With a strong performance against the Oilers — a team he has historically dominated — the milestone could arrive sooner than expected.

What makes this moment especially poignant is the personal connection between the two legends. Lemieux, a Hall of Famer and former Penguins owner, was not only Crosby’s mentor but also the reason he chose to wear the number 87. In a 2023 interview, Crosby said, “Mario’s the reason I’m here. He built this team, saved the franchise, and set the standard. To even be in the conversation with him is an honor.”

Recent Updates: The Timeline of a Record Chase

Here’s a breakdown of the verified developments leading up to this historic weekend:

December 10–14, 2025: The Final Stretch

• Crosby entered the week needing 3 points to tie Lemieux’s record.
• In a 5–2 win over the New Jersey Devils, he tallied 2 assists, bringing him within 1 point of the milestone.
• The Penguins’ next game — a December 16 showdown against the Oilers — became the focal point of the record chase.

December 16, 2025: The Big Night

• NHL.com’s NHL On Tap preview highlighted the Crosby vs. McDavid narrative, framing the game as a clash of two generational talents.
• Crosby’s performance against Edmonton will be closely watched — he has 78 points in 68 career games against the Oilers, including 12 goals in his last 15.
• If he scores or assists in the game, he’ll pass Lemieux in front of a national audience — a fitting stage for such a moment.

December 18, 2025: Backup Plan — Home Game vs. Flyers

• If the record isn’t broken in Edmonton, the Penguins return home to face the Philadelphia Flyers.
• The Wells Fargo Center has been a friendly hunting ground for Crosby — he has 84 points in 82 career games against the Flyers.

Why This Record Matters: Context and Legacy

To understand the significance of Crosby surpassing Lemieux, you have to look beyond the numbers.

Mario Lemieux: The Franchise Savior

Lemieux wasn’t just a player — he was the reason the Penguins exist today. Drafted in 1984, he carried a struggling franchise to three Stanley Cup wins (1991, 1992, 2009 as a player-owner). He also:
- Overcame Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1993 and returned to lead the Penguins to a Cup in 1992.
- Owned the team from 1999 to 2023, saving it from relocation.
- Was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in league history.

For Canadians, Lemieux is a national icon — a Quebec-born superstar who brought glory to a U.S.-based team while representing Canada on the world stage.

Sidney Crosby: The Modern-Day Captain

Crosby, drafted in 2005, took over as captain at age 19 and has been the Penguins’ heartbeat for two decades. His achievements include:
- Three Stanley Cups (2009, 2016, 2017) as team captain.
- Two Hart Trophies (MVP) and three Rocket Richard Trophies (top goal scorer).
- Olympic gold medals with Team Canada in 2010 and 2014 — the latter in a gold-medal game where he scored the winner.

But beyond the trophies, Crosby’s legacy is defined by consistency and leadership. He’s played over 1,200 games with one team — a rarity in the modern NHL — and has never requested a trade, even during lean years.

The Canadian Connection

For Canadian fans, this record chase is deeply symbolic. Both players:
- Are homegrown Canadian talents who chose to stay in the NHL rather than pursue European leagues.
- Represent the evolution of Canadian hockey — from Lemieux’s era of physical, clutch play to Crosby’s blend of skill, speed, and hockey IQ.
- Have elevated the Penguins into a global brand, making Pittsburgh a destination for hockey fans worldwide.

As TSN’s recent debate (“Who had the more impressive career: Lemieux or Crosby?”) shows, the conversation isn’t about who’s better — it’s about how two different eras produced two different kinds of greatness.

Immediate Effects: What This Means Now

For the Penguins

• A marketing and fan engagement goldmine. The team is expected to retire Crosby’s number 87 after his playing career, and this record will be a centerpiece of that campaign.
• Boosted morale during a season where the team has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play. A record-breaking night could reignite fan passion.

For the NHL

• The Crosby vs. McDavid matchup adds another layer to the league’s ongoing narrative of generational talent. With McDavid leading the Oilers, the game could become a must-watch event for Canadian and U.S. audiences.
• The record chase is already trending on social media, with #Crosby87 and #LemieuxLegacy gaining traction on Twitter and Instagram.

For Canadian Hockey Culture

• The milestone reinforces Canada’s dominance in NHL leadership. With Crosby, McDavid, and Nathan MacKinnon among the league’s top stars, Canadian-born players continue to shape the game.
• It also inspires young players — especially in small towns and rural areas — to believe they can follow in Crosby’s footsteps, even if they don’t play for a Canadian team.

Future Outlook: What Comes Next?

The Record Is Just the Beginning

While passing Lemieux is a massive achievement, Crosby’s legacy is still being written. Here’s what to watch:

1. The 1,500-Point Club

• Crosby is on pace to join the 1,500-point club within the next two seasons. Only 22 players in NHL history have reached that milestone, and only three (Lemieux, Jagr, and Yzerman) have done it with one team.
• If he stays healthy, he could surpass 1,600 points — a mark only Lemieux has hit with the Penguins.

2. The Captaincy and Beyond

• Crosby’s contract runs through 2025, and he has repeatedly said he wants to finish his career in Pittsburgh.
• After retirement, he’ll