On March 27, 2025, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby etched his name deeper into NHL history by surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s record for the most seasons averaging at least one point per game. The milestone came during a 4-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center, where Crosby recorded an assist on a Bryan Rust goal, bringing his season total to 70 points in 65 games. This marked his 20th consecutive campaign with a point-per-game pace, eclipsing Gretzky’s 19, a feat that underscores Crosby’s remarkable longevity and consistency at age 37.
Crosby’s achievement unfolded in a tightly contested game. Buffalo took a 2-0 lead with goals from Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin in the first period, but Pittsburgh fought back in the second. Crosby set up Rust at 7:14 for his 42nd assist, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Evgeni Malkin tied it at 11:52, and Rickard Rakell gave the Penguins a 3-2 edge late in the frame. However, the Sabres rallied in the third, with Zach Benson and Thompson scoring to secure the win. Goaltender Tristan Jarry stopped 26 of 30 shots, while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 28 saves for Buffalo.
Despite the loss, Crosby’s record took center stage. Entering the game, he needed one point to pass Gretzky, who averaged a point per game from 1979-80 to 1997-98 with Edmonton, Los Angeles, St. Louis, and the New York Rangers. Crosby, drafted first overall by Pittsburgh in 2005, has now done so every year since his rookie season, amassing 1,614 points (592 goals, 1,022 assists) in 1,330 games. His 1.08 points-per-game average this season keeps him on pace, even as the Penguins sit at 32-28-5 with 69 points, outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Penguins coach Mike Sullivan praised Crosby post-game, saying, “What Sid’s done over two decades is extraordinary. He’s the heart of this team, and this record shows why he’s one of the all-time greats.” The milestone has reignited debates about Crosby’s place in hockey’s pantheon, often alongside Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Alex Ovechkin. While Gretzky’s 2,857 points remain unmatched, Crosby’s consistency in a lower-scoring era—where league-wide goals per game hover around 3.0 versus Gretzky’s peak of 4.0—stands out.
Crosby’s 2024-25 season reflects his adaptability. His 28 goals rank second on the Penguins behind Malkin’s 31, while his 42 assists lead the team. Playing with linemates Rust and Jake Guentzel, who returned via trade in March, Crosby has driven Pittsburgh’s offense despite a roster in transition. The Penguins’ 48.9% Corsi-for percentage and 2.92 goals-against average highlight defensive struggles, yet Crosby’s 54.2% faceoff win rate and plus-8 rating show his two-way impact.
The Sabres game underscored Pittsburgh’s broader challenges. Sitting seventh in the Metropolitan Division, they trail the New York Islanders by six points for the second wild card spot with 17 games left. A 15-15-3 road record and inconsistent goaltending—Jarry’s 2.89 GAA ranks 25th among starters—have hampered a team reliant on its aging core. Malkin, 38, has 62 points, but younger players like Drew O’Connor (14 goals) have yet to fully bridge the gap.
Crosby’s record-breaking night drew league-wide attention. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman issued a statement, noting, “Sidney’s consistency is a testament to his skill and dedication. He continues to elevate the game.” On X, “Crosby record” trended as fans posted stats comparing him to Gretzky, with reactions like “King of Consistency” and “Still the best in the game.” Analysts highlighted his 11 seasons with 100-plus points, a mark Gretzky hit 15 times in a higher-scoring context.
Historically, Crosby’s career is a study in resilience. Three Hart Trophies (2007, 2014, 2017), two scoring titles, and three Stanley Cups (2009, 2016, 2017) anchor his resume, despite setbacks like a 2011 concussion that cost him nearly a full season. His 1.21 career points-per-game average trails only Gretzky (1.92), Lemieux (1.88), and Mike Bossy (1.50) among players with 1,000 games. This season, he’s on track for 86 points, his lowest since 2012-13, yet the record cements his legacy.
For Penguins fans searching for NHL news, Crosby’s milestone offers pride amid uncertainty. Pittsburgh’s last playoff series win came in 2018, and a 4-2 first-round loss to the Rangers in 2022 marked their most recent postseason. GM Kyle Dubas, hired in 2023, has prioritized retooling around Crosby and Malkin, adding Guentzel and depth pieces like Cody Glass. The March 28 game against the surging St. Louis Blues tests their mettle, with a ninth straight Blues win looming as a challenge.
Buffalo’s victory, meanwhile, bolstered their wild card hopes. At 36-25-4 with 76 points, they sit two points behind the Islanders, with Thompson’s 32 goals pacing an attack that’s scored 118 times since January 1. Coach Lindy Ruff credited their third-period push, saying, “We stayed composed and found a way.” Their next game against New Jersey on March 29 keeps the pressure on.
Crosby’s record has broader implications. As Ovechkin chases Gretzky’s goal mark, Crosby’s consistency metric reframes the “best ever” debate, emphasizing durability over raw totals. His 656 primary assists dwarf Gretzky’s 581 in their first 1,330 games, per NHL stats, showcasing playmaking prowess. At 37, with a contract through 2027, Crosby could push the record to 22 seasons, health permitting.
As March 28 dawns, Pittsburgh looks to its captain to spark a late surge. The Blues matchup offers a chance to build on his milestone, though a postseason berth remains a long shot. For those tracking Crosby in 2025, this record is a career-defining moment, proof that even in a rebuilding year, he remains the NHL’s gold standard for sustained excellence.
