Sidney Crosby, the iconic captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, is closing in on the all-time franchise scoring records held by the legendary Mario Lemieux. Both players are synonymous with the Penguins, each playing a crucial role in shaping the team’s history and success.
Crosby’s pursuit of Lemieux’s records has been nothing short of remarkable. By the end of the 2023-24 season, Crosby, at age 36, had accumulated 1,596 points, just five shy of Lemieux’s total of 1,601 at the same age. However, it took Crosby 1,272 games to reach this mark, while Lemieux achieved his in just 812 games, highlighting the challenges both have faced throughout their careers.
The comparison between these two hockey giants is both fascinating and poignant. Lemieux’s career was marred by injuries, illness, and a mid-career retirement, which limited his games played. Crosby, too, has faced numerous obstacles, but his perseverance has allowed him to close the gap in their point totals.
As Crosby prepares for the 2024-25 season, his age-37 year, the parallels with Lemieux’s career continue. Lemieux’s age-37 season was his last great campaign before his career was cut short by health issues. He scored 91 points in the 2002-03 season, even as the Penguins were beginning to decline as a powerhouse. Similarly, Crosby is leading a Penguins team that has missed the playoffs for the past two seasons and is no longer seen as a top contender.
Despite the team’s recent struggles, Crosby’s determination remains unwavering. The race between Crosby and Lemieux’s scoring records can be seen as a “tortoise and hare” story. Lemieux had more explosive seasons, with eight campaigns surpassing Crosby’s best single-season total of 120 points. However, Lemieux’s career graph levels off due to his extended absences, while Crosby has steadily chipped away at the gap, closing in on Lemieux’s records.
Crosby’s pursuit is also a testament to what could have been for Lemieux, who likely would have reached 2,000 points if not for his health challenges. At the same time, Crosby’s ability to maintain high-level performance into his 30s, averaging 81 points per season, speaks to his resilience and commitment to the game.
As Crosby approaches the final chapters of his career, his quest to surpass Lemieux may depend on his contract extension. With 127 points still separating him from Lemieux’s total of 1,723, Crosby could potentially set the new franchise record during the 2025-26 season, provided he continues to play at a high level.
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In addition to closing in on Lemieux’s points record, Crosby is also approaching his goals and assists milestones. With 592 goals compared to Lemieux’s 690, Crosby could surpass this record with a few more productive seasons. He is also just 30 assists shy of Lemieux’s total of 1,033, making it likely that Crosby will become the franchise leader in assists this season.
Crosby’s journey toward these records is not just about numbers; it’s about the legacy he is building as one of the greatest players in NHL history. As he nears the top of the franchise’s all-time scoring list, Crosby’s contributions to the Penguins and the sport of hockey will be remembered for generations to come.
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