Sidney Crosby sets NHL record, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s legendary mark

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Mar 29, 2025, 18:00 IST

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Sidney Crosby set an unmatched NHL record by becoming the first player to average a point per game for 20 consecutive seasons. However, his historic achievement was marred by the Penguins' 7-3 loss to the Sabres, jeopardizing their playoff hopes. Despite the setback, Crosby's legacy and talent continue to shine.

Sidney Crosby sets NHL record, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s legendary mark

Sidney Crosby (Via: Getty Images)

Sidney Crosby just did what no player before him has accomplished, surpassing Wayne Gretzky in one of the most remarkable records in NHL history. By securing his 80th point of the season, the Pittsburgh Penguins captain became the first player to average at least a point per game for 20 consecutive NHL seasons. But the celebration was bittersweet, as the milestone came in a crushing 7-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres, further jeopardizing Pittsburgh’s Stanley Cup playoff hopes.

Sidney Crosby’s historic NHL milestone overshadowed by tough loss

Penguins' Sidney Crosby Ccores In Front To Set Record For Most Point-Per-Game Seasons

Crosby gave the Penguins an early spark, netting a slick skate-to-stick goal in the first period. It was the kind of brilliance that has defined his NHL career—effortless, instinctive, and precise. Yet, as the game slipped away, the weight of another disappointing loss overshadowed the achievement.

"It’s tough when you play to win. And obviously it’s a special milestone," Crosby admitted.
Since being selected first overall in the 2005 NHL Draft, Crosby has set the gold standard for consistency. With three Stanley Cups, two Hart Trophy wins as NHL MVP, and countless clutch performances, he remains one of the greatest players in NHL history.
Head coach Mike Sullivan echoed the sentiment: “Just his passion for the game and his willingness to put the work in to continue to be at his best. It’s just remarkable.”

What’s next for Sidney Crosby and Penguins?

Despite a personal hot streak, nine goals and 22 points in his last 17 games, Crosby can’t carry the Pittsburgh Penguins alone. With just eight games left in the NHL regular season, their Stanley Cup playoff chances are fading fast. Meanwhile, longtime rival Alex Ovechkin is chasing another of Wayne Gretzky’s records, keeping their legendary competition alive.
For Crosby, however, breaking NHL records has never been the priority. “I think you have to continue to get better and learn, even after this long, you’ve got to continue to evolve and adjust,” he said. “But I’ve been pretty lucky to play with some great players over that 20 years. And I think that’s a big part of it, too.”
Also Read: Auston Matthews pushes for extended 3-on-3 overtime—Will NHL listen to players' plea?
While the Penguins' postseason fate remains uncertain, Sidney Crosby’s NHL legacy is already cemented, and he’s not finished rewriting history yet.

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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