Canada's Sidney Crosby #87 looks on during the national anthem after a 6-3 preliminary round win over the Czech Republic at the 2015 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. He scored his 600th career NHL goal for the Pittsburgh Penguins on 23 November 2024.
photo: © International Ice Hockey Federation / Andre Ringuette
Sidney Crosby is now a member of another exclusive NHL club. The Pittsburgh Penguins captain scored his 600th career goal on Saturday, becoming the 21st player in league history to reach that milestone.
It was also Crosby’s first career goal against Utah HC, coming at 3:11 of the second period on a one-timer during a two-man advantage in a 6-1 home loss. The 37-year-old Canadian superstar has 55 career goals versus the Philadelphia Flyers, more than against any other team.
“It was a nice reception and a cool moment,” a low-key Crosby told NHL.com.
Crosby is now the second-leading active NHL goal-scorer, behind Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals (868) and Steven Stamkos of the Nashville Predators (563). It is remarkable since he is not generally viewed as a sniper like those players. He has an opportunity this season to surpass NHL and IIHF greats like Jari Kurri (601), Jarome Iginla (625), and Joe Sakic (625).
“He’s in elite company now with every milestone that he achieves at this point,” said Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan.
Crosby is a past two-time winner of the Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL’s leading goal-scorer (2010, 2017). The 20-year-old NHL veteran also twice won the Art Ross Trophy as the top points-getter and the Hart Trophy as league MVP (2007, 2014).
Joining the 600-goal club adds to a monumental legacy – both in NHL and IIHF play – that was anticipated even before Pittsburgh drafted Crosby first overall in 2005.
“Sid the Kid,” a 2005 World Junior champion, captured his first of three Stanley Cups in 2009 as the Penguins took revenge on the Detroit Red Wings in their rematch of the 2008 finals. He was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner in the Cup runs of 2016 and 2017, joining Flyers goalie Bernie Parent (1974, 1975) and fellow Penguins icon Mario Lemieux (2016, 2017) as the only players ever to win consecutive playoff MVP honours.
At age 22, Crosby assured his place in IIHF history by scoring the overtime winner at 7:40 in Canada’s 3-2 victory over the U.S. in the 2010 Olympic gold medal game. He also tallied in Canada’s 3-0 gold-medal win versus Sweden in the 2014 Olympic final
The native of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia entered the Triple Gold Club in 2015, captaining Canada to the gold medal at the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Prague.
Crosby may no longer be a threat to lead the NHL in goals, but his all-around game has not fallen off in the manner of many players in their late 30’s.
“His game is not only scoring goals,” said Penguins defenceman Kris Letang, a 19-season teammate. “He plays against the top line. He plays in all situations. He carries the momentum of our team most of the time.”
Connor McDavid, who suceeded Crosby as hockey’s consensus top forward, recently said that he feels the Pittsburgh ace should captain Canada at the 2026 Olympics in Milan. If the Edmonton Oilers ace’s words hold true, it will be Crosby’s second time wearing the “C” at the Winter Games. Crosby also did so in 2014, the last time Canada won gold on the world’s biggest stage.
It was also Crosby’s first career goal against Utah HC, coming at 3:11 of the second period on a one-timer during a two-man advantage in a 6-1 home loss. The 37-year-old Canadian superstar has 55 career goals versus the Philadelphia Flyers, more than against any other team.
“It was a nice reception and a cool moment,” a low-key Crosby told NHL.com.
Crosby is now the second-leading active NHL goal-scorer, behind Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals (868) and Steven Stamkos of the Nashville Predators (563). It is remarkable since he is not generally viewed as a sniper like those players. He has an opportunity this season to surpass NHL and IIHF greats like Jari Kurri (601), Jarome Iginla (625), and Joe Sakic (625).
“He’s in elite company now with every milestone that he achieves at this point,” said Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan.
Crosby is a past two-time winner of the Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL’s leading goal-scorer (2010, 2017). The 20-year-old NHL veteran also twice won the Art Ross Trophy as the top points-getter and the Hart Trophy as league MVP (2007, 2014).
Joining the 600-goal club adds to a monumental legacy – both in NHL and IIHF play – that was anticipated even before Pittsburgh drafted Crosby first overall in 2005.
“Sid the Kid,” a 2005 World Junior champion, captured his first of three Stanley Cups in 2009 as the Penguins took revenge on the Detroit Red Wings in their rematch of the 2008 finals. He was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner in the Cup runs of 2016 and 2017, joining Flyers goalie Bernie Parent (1974, 1975) and fellow Penguins icon Mario Lemieux (2016, 2017) as the only players ever to win consecutive playoff MVP honours.
At age 22, Crosby assured his place in IIHF history by scoring the overtime winner at 7:40 in Canada’s 3-2 victory over the U.S. in the 2010 Olympic gold medal game. He also tallied in Canada’s 3-0 gold-medal win versus Sweden in the 2014 Olympic final
The native of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia entered the Triple Gold Club in 2015, captaining Canada to the gold medal at the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Prague.
Crosby may no longer be a threat to lead the NHL in goals, but his all-around game has not fallen off in the manner of many players in their late 30’s.
“His game is not only scoring goals,” said Penguins defenceman Kris Letang, a 19-season teammate. “He plays against the top line. He plays in all situations. He carries the momentum of our team most of the time.”
Connor McDavid, who suceeded Crosby as hockey’s consensus top forward, recently said that he feels the Pittsburgh ace should captain Canada at the 2026 Olympics in Milan. If the Edmonton Oilers ace’s words hold true, it will be Crosby’s second time wearing the “C” at the Winter Games. Crosby also did so in 2014, the last time Canada won gold on the world’s biggest stage.