Sidney Crosby has become the Pittsburgh Penguins’ all-time leading scorer, surpassing Mario Lemieux with 1,724 career points; Crosby’s mark arrives after a goal and an assist in the first period against Montreal, moving him past Lemieux’s franchise total of 1,723 points. This milestone cements Crosby’s place among the NHL’s all-time elite while renewing the debate about legacy, health, and greatness. One thing is for sure…as Penguins fans, we have been spoiled over the past 40 years. The two players have combined for five Stanley Cups, five NHL MVP’s, 8 Art Ross trophies, and memories to last a lifetime.
Crosby passes Lemieux
Sidney Crosby reached the Penguins’ scoring summit with 1,724 points (645 goals, 1,079 assists) in 1,387 games, overtaking Mario Lemieux, who compiled 1,723 points (690 goals, 1,033 assists) in 915 games across his Penguins career. The milestone came on a night when Crosby scored and set up a power-play goal, prompting teammates and fans to celebrate a generational achievement. The raw numbers underline two different career arcs: Lemieux’s extraordinary per-game production and Crosby’s longevity and consistency.
The Lemieux argument
Many analysts and outlets, including Sportsvival’s perspective referenced by fans and writers, hold that Mario Lemieux is the best player in NHL history when measured by peak dominance and skill, arguing that had he stayed healthy he might have seriously challenged Wayne Gretzky’s records. Lemieux’s career was repeatedly interrupted by injuries and cancer treatment, yet his per-game scoring rate and ability to dominate games when available fuel the “what if” conversation about all-time recordsNHL.
Crosby’s work ethic and longevity
Sidney Crosby’s ascent to the franchise lead is as much a testament to relentless preparation and durability as it is to talent. Widely regarded as one of the hardest-working superstars in NHL history, Crosby’s game has evolved—he combines elite vision, puck protection, and a two-way commitment that has kept him productive into his late 30s. Where Lemieux dazzled with sheer offensive brilliance, Crosby’s career is defined by consistency, leadership, and an obsessive attention to detail that teammates and coaches frequently praise.
Legacy and perspective
This passing of the torch in Penguins history doesn’t settle the debate over the NHL’s single greatest player, but it does frame two complementary legacies: Lemieux as the transcendent, peak talent who might have rewritten record books without health setbacks, and Crosby as the consummate professional whose work ethic and sustained excellence produced historic totals. Both belong in the highest tier of hockey immortality, and Crosby’s new franchise mark only deepens appreciation for what each accomplished for Pittsburgh and the sport. He came to the Penguins as “Sid the Kid”, he leaves as “The man at the top”.
(the Hockey News)