Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins took a monumental step toward hockey history on Monday night, inching closer to a franchise milestone held by the legendary Mario Lemieux.
A Historic Performance in Philadelphia
Facing the rival Philadelphia Flyers on December 1, 2025, the Penguins captain delivered a masterclass. Crosby found the back of the net twice during the contest, a performance that significantly narrowed the gap between him and Lemieux's all-time Penguins points record. The first of his two goals came in the opening period, beating Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar with defenseman Emil Andrae also in the vicinity.
This multi-goal game propelled Crosby's career point total ever closer to the iconic number set by his former owner and hockey icon, Mario Lemieux. The game, held at the Flyers' home arena, now stands as a key date in the chronology of Crosby's remarkable career and his pursuit of one of the NHL's most revered franchise records.
The Chase for Greatness
Mario Lemieux, who saved the franchise in Pittsburgh and led it to two Stanley Cups as a player, amassed a staggering 1,723 points during his Hall of Fame career, all with the Penguins. For years, this total seemed untouchable. However, Sidney Crosby's two-decade reign of excellence has made the improbable seem inevitable.
Each point Crosby registers now carries immense weight, with the hockey world watching intently. His two-goal outburst against Philadelphia represents a critical leap forward in this historic chase. The achievement underscores not only his enduring skill but also his remarkable longevity and consistency at the sport's highest level.
What This Means for Crosby's Legacy
Surpassing Mario Lemieux in any statistical category is a profound feat, given Lemieux's status as one of the greatest players to ever lace up skates. For Crosby, a player who has already secured his place in the Hockey Hall of Fame with three Stanley Cups and multiple individual awards, this record would cement his legacy as the greatest Penguin of all time.
The pursuit adds a compelling narrative to the latter stages of his career. Every game becomes a potential historic moment, not just for Penguins fans but for hockey enthusiasts across Canada and beyond who have followed his journey from phenom in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, to living legend.
As the Penguins continue their season, all eyes will remain on Sidney Crosby. His next point will bring a roar from the crowd, knowing it edges him closer to a record that has stood for a generation, forever linking his name with that of his idol and predecessor, Mario Lemieux.