Crosby humbled closing in on rare milestone of 1,700 career points

It’s got the Penguins (5-2-0) off to a hot start after missing the playoffs the past three seasons.

“You know the reputation just from working in the League and just the reputation, in general,” said coach Dan Muse, hired June 4 to replace Mike Sullivan. “Everybody talks about just his drive and his professionalism, and how it’s every day. It’s been great to be able to be here and be seeing it firsthand. You can see why he’s been doing it as long as he has and at such a high level for this long.

“It’s the day-to-day, just the way he prepares, the focus in every single practice, the focus in everything he does. It’s been amazing to see. I think it’s great just for all the other players, too, in the organization to have somebody that’s just driving things on a daily basis like that.”

At some point, they’ll likely watch Crosby pass Lemieux in regular-season points. He’s 28 behind with eight points (four goals, four assists) in his first seven games this season.

The numbers might not mean much to Crosby. But the names do, whether it’s Lemieux, Gretzky, Yzerman or others.

At some point, someone will feel the same when closing on a number tied to Crosby.

“I think that’s what’s really special,” Crosby said. “I mean, I love the game. I love the history of the game, you know, the tradition side of it. I think that you go throughout the history of hockey, everyone had people they looked up to or people that they feel like made an impact in the game. So, to be associated that way, I think that means more than anything, for sure.”

It’s difficult to predict how many more milestones will fall. Signed through 2026-27 on a two-year, $17.4 million contract agreed to on Sept. 16, 2024, Crosby has at least 91 points in each of his past three seasons.

Even in his 21st season, the Penguins captain hasn't implied the end is imminent. It is closer than the beginning, though.

However, when it is over, and he looks back, the numbers aren’t what will be remembered.

“I think just trying to be a good role model, good example, good teammate,” Crosby said. “There’s a lot of different ways to do that. I think when you’re in the position we’re in, you have a pretty good opportunity to help make a difference on and off the ice. So, I think those things you try to keep in mind, regardless of playing in the NHL or not.

“Those are things that I think when you grow up playing for teams or you’re playing for your community, your local team, you still try to represent them well and you try to help your community and represent your community. So, I think when you get to the NHL, it’s on a much greater stage, but it’s the same thing.”