Sidney Crosby Breaks Mario Lemieux’s Franchise Scoring Record
Sidney Crosby, the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, made history on December 21, 2025, by breaking Mario Lemieux’s franchise scoring record. Crosby achieved this milestone with a goal and an assist in the first period of the Penguins’ 4-3 shootout win over the Montreal Canadiens. This record-breaking performance has solidified Crosby’s position as one of the greatest players in NHL history.
A Legendary Career
Crosby, who began the night one point behind Lemieux, now has 645 goals and 1,079 assists for 1,724 points in 1,387 games. This impressive feat has moved him past Lemieux for the eighth-most points in NHL history. Crosby’s career has been marked by numerous accolades, including his previous record-breaking achievement of most assists in franchise history, which he accomplished last December against the New York Islanders.
Crosby’s relationship with Lemieux extends beyond their time as teammates. Lemieux, a Hall of Famer and former owner of the franchise, took Crosby under his wing early in his career, providing guidance and support. Crosby has often spoken about the significant impact Lemieux has had on his life and career, both on and off the ice. In a video message, Lemieux congratulated Crosby on his achievement, stating, “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.”
A Record-Breaking Performance
The record-breaking goal was scored at 7:58 of the first period, when Crosby tipped Erik Karlsson’s point shot. He then broke the mark with 7:20 left in the period when his shot on a power play hit Bryan Rust, and Rickard Rakell tapped the rebound behind Jakub Dobes. The Penguins’ bench erupted in celebration, with Crosby, Rust, and Rakell embracing behind the net. Lemieux’s video message was played later in the period, congratulating Crosby on his achievement.
Crosby’s achievement has cemented his position as one of the greatest players in NHL history. He is now third on the NHL’s all-time points list with a single franchise, behind only Steve Yzerman (1,755) and Gordie Howe (1,809), both with Detroit. Crosby has also passed Phil Esposito (449) for sole possession of the ninth-most even-strength goals in NHL history and tied Adam Oates for the eighth-most assists in NHL history.
A Lasting Legacy
Crosby’s impact on the Penguins and the NHL extends beyond his on-ice accomplishments. He has been an influential figure in the league, inspiring a new generation of players and fans. His dedication, work ethic, and passion for the game have made him a beloved and respected figure in the hockey community. As he continues to break records and achieve new milestones, Crosby’s legacy will only continue to grow.
The Penguins’ win over the Montreal Canadiens marked the end of an eight-game skid, with Crosby’s record-breaking performance providing a much-needed boost to the team. As the season progresses, Crosby will look to continue his impressive form, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and solidifying his position as one of the greatest players in NHL history.
