Pens legend Mario Lemieux has a message for Sidney Crosby after No. 87 dethrones him as franchise leader in assists

Sidney Crosby added yet another feather to his cap as he passed Mario Lemieux for most assists in Pittsburgh Penguins history. Crosby earned his 1,034th career assist and received a congratulatory message from his senior.

Mario Lemieux played for the Pens for 21 seasons from 1984 until 2005, earning numerous honors. Considered as one of the best playmakers in the game, 'Super Mario' earned 1,033 assists for the franchise, which earned him a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

On Sunday, Crosby crossed Lemieux's mark with a second-period assist against the New York Islanders, for Michael Bunting's power play goal. The Pens went up 2-0 and eventually won 3-2, thwarting a late New York rally.

After the game, Lemieux penned a heartfelt message for the No. 87. He was happy that his record was broken by one of the best in the game and that the city of Pittsburgh is proud to have him.

“I want to congratulate Sid on setting the team’s assist record,” Lemieux said. “He’s an amazing player and we’re so fortunate to have him in Pittsburgh. I look forward to even more great things from him.”

A humble Sidney Crosby responded that individual accolades are never his focus but acknowledged the proud moment of crossing a franchise icon/

“Just being able to play with the guys that I’ve played with over the years, it’s a testament to them,” said Crosby, who took a photo with Bunting and the milestone puck in the locker room postgame. “It’s been a lot of fun, and, hopefully, I can keep getting more here.”

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Sidney Crosby jokes about Mario Lemieux being more efficient

While Crosby reached his milestone in his 1,310 career game in the NHL, it took him almost 400 more games than Lemieux to reach 1,034 assists. Lemieux had gotten there in just 915 games. Crosby noted how the No. 66 was better at the art.

“He did it in about 400 less games. ... I had a bit of a head start,” Crosby laughed.

While he stands alone on the Penguins' assist list, Sidney Crosby has 11 more names ahead of him in the all-time list. The next milestone for him is the most assists for a single franchise. Crosby is behind three legends - Ray Bourque (1,111 for Boston), Wayne Gretzky (1,086 for Edmonton) and Steve Yzerman (1,063 for Detroit).