At TD Garden on Friday night, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby picked up an assist on Rickard Rakell’s second-period goal.
It was his 1,020th career assist, bringing him within three helpers of catching “Mr. Hockey” Gordie Howe for most assists with a single club. Howe had 1,023 assists during his 25 years with the Detroit Red Wings.
Next on the list of players with the most assists with a single franchise is Mario Lemieux, who collected 1,033 helpers during his 17 years in Pittsburgh.
When Crosby collects his 1,034th assist, he’ll become the franchise leader, surpassing his former linemate, who has held the mark for the past 20 years.
After Lemieux, the next names on the list are all Hall of Famers and hockey legends: Steve Yzerman (Detroit – 1,063), Wayne Gretzky (Edmonton – 1,086), and Ray Bourque (Boston – 1,105).
With two and half seasons left on his deal, Crosby has a chance to catch Bourque and own the NHL record for most assists with a single franchise.
However, can he stay healthy, and can the Penguins remain competitive enough for that to happen?
