Crosby scores 1,600 NHL points for the Penguins in the game against the Sabres

After the game, the Penguins captain chose not to discuss his milestone, instead highlighting Malkin.

“I think whether it's moments like tonight or things that we shared, good and bad, it was just incredible to be part of the team and play with them over that span of time,” said Crosby, Malkin's teammate 19 seasons. “I think we just really care about the team. We want to win. We expect a lot from each other. But I think there is also a lot of respect.

“Obviously we may not have the same personality. But I think there’s a lot of respect.”

Crosby ranks second in Penguins history in points (1,602), goals (593) and assists (1,009), trailing Lemieux (1,723 points; 690 goals; 1,033 assists) in each. Malkin is third with 1,307 points, 500 goals and 807 assists.

“I’m glad he scored about 1,600 points,” Malkin said. “He deserves every point. He is the leader, captain. He works in every practice, so to speak. … He deserves a goal in overtime, so to speak, and every point.”

Crosby was selected No. 1 overall in the 2005 NHL Draft and signed a two-year, $17.4 million contract ($8.7 million average annual value) on September 16, 2024, which will keep him with the NHL through the 2026–27 season Penguins holds.

“If you look at the guys and the people that have been in this organization during the time we've been here, that helps a lot too,” Crosby said. “You can go through all the players, the management and everyone who has been a part of this organization. Property. We were very lucky to be here.”

Crosby, who was named one of the NHL's 100 Greatest Players in January 2017, has won the Stanley Cup three times. At 21, he became the youngest captain of a championship team when Pittsburgh defeated the Detroit Red Wings in seven games in the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals before winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as Stanley Cup Playoffs MVP in 2016 and 2017.

The Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia native was honored as an Officer of the Order of Canada on December 29, 2022 “for being one of the greatest hockey players of all time and for supporting youth charitable initiatives.” The Order of Canada is one of the country's highest honors and recognizes people from all sectors of society who have made exceptional and lasting contributions.

NHL.com staff writer Mike Zeisberger contributed to this report