Penguins vs. Kraken: Sidney Crosby’s Pursuit of History and a Playoff Berth

Cranberry, PA – At 38 years old, Sidney Crosby continues to defy expectations and cement his legacy as one of hockey’s all-time greats. The Pittsburgh Penguins captain isn’t focused on milestones, but rather on ending the team’s three-season postseason drought. As the Penguins prepare to face the Seattle Kraken on Monday (5 p.m. ET; KHN/Prime, SN-PIT, KONG, TVAS), Crosby is rapidly adding to his already impressive career totals.

A Consistent Force

Crosby currently leads the Penguins with 53 points (26 goals, 27 assists) in 47 games, on track for a remarkable 21st consecutive season averaging at least a point per game – an NHL record. This consistency is a beacon of hope for Pittsburgh (22-14-11) as they strive to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. His performance also fuels Canada’s aspirations for gold at the upcoming Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. You can find more in-depth coverage of the men’s hockey action at the NHL.com Olympic coverage.

A Legacy of Gold

Crosby’s Olympic pedigree is well-established, having scored the iconic overtime goal for Canada in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and leading the team to gold again in Sochi in 2014. Despite the changes in NHL player participation over the past 12 years, Crosby remains a pivotal figure for the Canadian national team.

“The ‘It’ Factor”

Jon Cooper, coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Canada’s Olympic team, emphasizes Crosby’s unwavering dedication and presence. “He just has the ‘it’ factor,” Cooper stated. “Wherever he goes, he carries himself with class. You know when he’s in the room, you know when he’s on the ice. It’s really impressive to watch.” Cooper places Crosby among the elite athletes he’s encountered, calling him a true class act and a generational GOAT.

Climbing the Ranks

Since entering the League in 2005-06, Crosby has amassed an astounding record, including three Stanley Cup championships (2009, 2016, 2017). He recently surpassed Mario Lemieux as the Penguins’ all-time leading scorer with 1,740 points. His combined regular season and playoff points total 1,941 (722 goals, 1,219 assists), also a franchise record.

On October 27th, Crosby became the only active player with 1,700 points, and he continues to ascend the NHL’s all-time scoring list. He’s currently eighth, trailing Steve Yzerman (1,755), Marcel Dionne (1,771), and Ron Francis (1,798). With a contract extending through next season, Crosby is poised to join hockey legends Wayne Gretzky, Jaromir Jagr, Mark Messier, and Gordie Howe in the exclusive 1,800-point club.

A Team Effort

Forward Evgeni Malkin, Crosby’s teammate since 2006, expresses immense pride in Crosby’s achievements. “It’s probably not a surprise,” Malkin said. “Every year, we’ve seen what he’s done. He works out on the ice, in practice, in games. He’s doing an amazing job. His leadership in the locker room, on ice.”

Focus on the Playoffs

Despite the accolades and statistics, Crosby remains focused on the ultimate goal: returning the Penguins to the playoffs. He emphasizes the importance of every game and every point as the team battles for a postseason berth. “It’s just how important the games are and, you know, how important every point is,” Crosby said. “Where we are in the standings, and things like that, I think that’s really what it’s all about. It’s a fun time of year and it’s fun to be in a race like that.”