Sidney Crosby Breaks Mario Lemieux's Record, Makes Penguins History for Career Points

Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby both tied and surpassed Mario Lemieux's franchise record for points on Sunday, reaching 1,724 career points.

Crosby notched a goal and an assist against the Montreal Canadiens to make history.

Lemieux offered his congratulations after the achievement:

Crosby was quick to share that same respect with Lemieux:

The 38-year-old made his NHL debut in the 2005-06 season, the final campaign of Lemieux's Hall of Fame career. In the 21 seasons since he's has won three Stanley Cups, has been an eight-time All-Star and won countless awards, including two Hart Memorial Trophies.

He's now ranked eighth all time in points.

He was one of the biggest stars of his generation, pairing with Alex Ovechkin as the faces of the NHL before Conner McDavid ascended to that mantle.

"You never heard one bad thing about Sidney Crosby," Kris Letang told ESPN's Emily Kaplan in October. "He's perfect. He's the perfect ambassador for the game."

It remains to be seen if Crosby will remain with the rebuilding Penguins, who came into Sunday with 37 points (13th in the Eastern Conference). Few would blame him if he eventually asked to be traded to a contender, finishing out his legendary career competing for another chance at a title.

His legacy in Pittsburgh is more than secure. The franchise scoring record was just the final cherry on top.