PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – He tied Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux his last game at home, Sunday night against the Islanders with a power play assist to Michael Bunting, Sidney Crosby became the Pens all-time assists leader with 1,034 getting a standing ovation at PPG Paints Arena.
“Definitely appreciate it,” Crosby said of the crowd response. “I’ve had some special moments here at home over the years. To get that kind of reception, to be up in the game, it’ means a lot.”
Sid Notes
· first career assist was October 5, 2005 to Hall of Famer Mark Recchi
· 22 days later he would assist on a Lemieux goal
· It was his 43rd assists against the Islanders, second only to the Flyers, 56
· He has 30 assists this season, 12th in the NHL
· He’s had at least 30 assists in every season, except 2011-12 when he had 29 playing only 22 games
· Now 12th in the NHL’s all-time assists list (1,034), six shy of Marcel Dionne and 15 behind Gordie Howe
“Honestly, I don’t think about it a lot,” Crosby said. “I appreciate those moments probably more and more, but as far as looking at the list, it’s not something I think about a lot. I have a lot of appreciation of what the guys have done on that list, especially Mario. What he’s done for the city and the organization. All the guys who have played prior to me. It’s really nice to be a part of that company.”
“He’s just an elite player,” said head coach Mike Sullivan. “I’m running out of adjectives.”