With one goal and one assist last night, Sidney Crosby passed Mario Lemieux for the most points in Pittsburgh Penguins history. After Crosby broke the record, Lemieux had some heartfelt words for his former teammate.
Before the Penguins’ 4–3 win over the Montreal Canadiens, Crosby had 1,722 points. In the first period, he recorded a goal and an assist on a Rikard Rakell goal, allowing him to pass the great Mario Lemieux for the most points in franchise history. The milestone also moved Crosby into eighth place on the NHL’s all-time points list.
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Played together in 2005
When Crosby entered the NHL at just 18 years old, he was mentored by Mario Lemieux, and the two played together during the 2005–06 season, which was Crosby’s first and Lemieux’s last.
After the game, Crosby thanked the Penguins organization and gave special recognition to Lemieux.
“To be here as long as I have been, and to have so many guys contribute to this record across so many different teams and groups, means a lot. I obviously have a ton of respect for Mario and everything he’s done for this team and for hockey in general. So it’s pretty special,” Crosby said, according to Sportsnet.
Mario Lemieux’s hearfelt words
The Penguins also had a congratulatory video prepared for Crosby, in which Lemieux shared some heartfelt words.
“Hey Sid, congratulations on passing me with 1,724 points. 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. Here we are 20 years later—you are now one of the best ever to play the game,” Lemieux said.
You can watch the tribute below.
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