Sidney Crosby's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Sidney Crosby. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Sidney Crosby, nicknamed "Sid the Kid", is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre and captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Drafted first overall in 2005, Crosby was a highly touted prospect and is widely considered one of hockey's greatest players. He was born and raised in Halifax and has achieved considerable success in the NHL.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1974: Bernie Parent's Conn Smythe Trophy

In 1974, it marked the third player to win consecutive Conn Smythe Trophy after Bernie Parent (1974, 1975).

1975: Bernie Parent's Conn Smythe Trophy

In 1975, it marked the third player to win consecutive Conn Smythe Trophy after Bernie Parent (1974, 1975).

1980: Wayne Gretzky's Teenage Scoring Lead

In 1980, Wayne Gretzky was the last teenager before Crosby to lead the NHL in scoring.

1991: Mario Lemieux's Conn Smythe Trophy

In 1991, it marked the third player to win consecutive Conn Smythe Trophy after Mario Lemieux (1991, 1992).

1992: Mario Lemieux's Conn Smythe Trophy

In 1992, it marked the third player to win consecutive Conn Smythe Trophy after Mario Lemieux (1991, 1992).

1997: Red Wings Stanley Cup

In 1997, it marked the first team to repeat as Stanley Cup champions since the 1997–98 Detroit Red Wings.

July 30, 2005: Drafted by Pittsburgh Penguins

On July 30, 2005, Sidney Crosby was selected first overall in the NHL draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2005: Drafted by Pittsburgh Penguins

In 2005, Sidney Crosby was selected first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL entry draft, marking the beginning of his NHL career.

2005: World Junior Championships Gold

In 2005, Sidney Crosby won gold at the World Junior Championships, representing Canada.

2005: Drafting Crosby changes fortunes of Pittsburgh Penguins

In 2005, drafting Sidney Crosby, considered a generational talent, changed the fortunes of the struggling Pittsburgh Penguins, helping to secure funding for a new arena and ending speculation that the franchise would relocate.

October 28, 2006: First NHL Hat-Trick

On October 28, 2006, Sidney Crosby scored his first NHL hat-trick in an 8–2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.

January 2007: Mark Messier Leadership Award

In January 2007, Sidney Crosby received the Mark Messier Leadership Award. This was the first year that the Mark Messier Leadership Award was presented monthly.

May 31, 2007: Named Team Captain

On May 31, 2007, Sidney Crosby was named the team captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, becoming the youngest team captain in NHL history at 19 years, 9 months, and 24 days old.

June 2007: Awards Show Hat-Trick

In June 2007, at the NHL's annual awards show, Sidney Crosby won the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Lester B. Pearson Award, in addition to his previously clinched Art Ross Trophy.

2007: All-Star Game Participation

In 2007, Crosby participated in his first NHL All-Star Game since 2007, winning the shooting accuracy segment of the Skills Competition.

March 27, 2008: Return from Injury

On March 27, 2008, Sidney Crosby returned to the Penguins' lineup after recovering from an ankle injury, helping the team defeat the New York Islanders 3–1.

October 18, 2008: 300 Career Points

On October 18, 2008, Sidney Crosby recorded one goal and three assists against the Toronto Maple Leafs, surpassing 100 goals, 200 assists, and 300 points for his career.

2009: Mark Messier Leadership Award and Maurice Richard Trophy

In 2009, Sidney Crosby received the Mark Messier Leadership Award and won the Maurice Richard Trophy as the NHL's leading goal scorer.

2009: Stanley Cup Victory

In 2009, Sidney Crosby won his first Stanley Cup title with the Penguins in seven games against the Detroit Red Wings, becoming the youngest NHL captain to win the Stanley Cup since 1895.

November 5, 2010: Start of point streak against Anaheim Ducks

On November 5, 2010, Sidney Crosby began a 25-game point streak against the Anaheim Ducks.

December 28, 2010: End of point streak against New York Islanders

On December 28, 2010, Sidney Crosby's 25-game point streak ended against the New York Islanders.

2010: Vancouver Winter Olympics Gold

At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Sidney Crosby scored the game-winning goal in overtime against the United States, securing the gold medal for Canada.

2010: Finalist for Ted Lindsay Award

In 2010, Sidney Crosby was a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award.

January 3, 2011: Selected as 2011 All-Star

On January 3, 2011, Sidney Crosby was selected as a 2011 All-Star, along with teammates Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury and Kris Letang. However, due to injuries, neither Crosby nor Malkin were available to play in the All-Star Game.

November 21, 2011: Return after concussion-like symptoms

On November 21, 2011, Sidney Crosby returned to play after missing time due to concussion-like symptoms, scoring two goals and two assists against the New York Islanders.

March 15, 2012: Return to action after concussion-like symptoms

On March 15, 2012, Sidney Crosby returned to action, recording two assists in a 5–2 win against the New York Rangers.

2013: Second Ted Lindsay Award

In 2013, Sidney Crosby won his second career Ted Lindsay Award.

2013: Reaching 100-point mark

In the 2018-19 season Crosby reached the 100-point mark for the first time since scoring 104 points in 2013–14.

November 26, 2014: 800th Career Point

On November 26, 2014, Sidney Crosby scored his 800th career point against the Toronto Maple Leafs, becoming the sixth-fastest player in NHL history to reach that milestone.

2014: Sochi Winter Olympics Gold

In 2014, Sidney Crosby captained Team Canada to win his second consecutive Olympic gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Sochi.

2014: Hart Memorial and Art Ross Trophies

In 2014, Sidney Crosby won the Hart Memorial Trophy and his second career Art Ross Trophy.

April 1, 2015: 300th Career NHL Goal

On April 1, 2015, Sidney Crosby scored his 300th career NHL goal against Steve Mason of the Philadelphia Flyers.

July 2015: Jonathan Quick Praises Crosby's Backhand Shot

In July 2015, Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings praised Sidney Crosby for having "the best backhand shot" in the NHL in his column for The Players' Tribune, noting his unique technique and forearm strength.

September 2016: Crosby wins an Emmy Award

In September 2016, Sidney Crosby won an Emmy Award for his role in There's No Place Like Home With Sidney Crosby. He also won for his participation in the Merci Sidney video.

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September 2016: Gretzky calls Crosby best player in the game

In September 2016, Wayne Gretzky said of Sidney Crosby, "He's proven over and over that he's the best player in the game today. And it seems like the more important the game, the more impact that he makes on a game."

October 2016: Mario Lemieux Praises Crosby's Complete Game

In October 2016, Mario Lemieux praised Sidney Crosby for his ability to play both sides of the puck, noting his defensive improvements over the past couple of years.

2016: World Cup of Hockey Gold

In 2016, Sidney Crosby captained Canada to gold in the World Cup of Hockey and was elected MVP by a unanimous vote.

2016: Stanley Cup Championship

In 2016, Sidney Crosby led Pittsburgh to a Stanley Cup championship.

2016: Playoff Berth Secured

On April 2, 2016, Crosby recorded his 600th NHL assist as the Penguins clinched their berth in the 2016 playoffs.

January 27, 2017: Crosby Named One of 100 Greatest NHL Players

On January 27, 2017, during the All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, Sidney Crosby was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history.

February 16, 2017: Crosby reaches 1,000 NHL points

On February 16, 2017, Sidney Crosby registered an assist on a Chris Kunitz goal against the Winnipeg Jets to reach 1,000 NHL points in his 757th game.

June 2017: Crosby voted greatest athlete of the 21st century by Canadians

In June 2017, Sidney Crosby was voted by Canadians to be the greatest athlete of the 21st century in a survey conducted by Sportsnet.

2017: Stanley Cup Championship

In 2017, Sidney Crosby led Pittsburgh to another Stanley Cup championship, becoming the third player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy in consecutive years.

2017: Second Richard Trophy and Top 100 NHL Player

In 2017, Sidney Crosby won his second Richard Trophy and was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history.

February 11, 2018: Crosby scores his 400th NHL goal

On February 11, 2018, Sidney Crosby scored his 400th NHL goal against Jake Allen of the St. Louis Blues, as the Penguins defeated the Blues 4–1.

March 2018: Crosby voted 'most difficult to play against' by NHLPA

In a poll conducted by the NHLPA in March 2018 of more than 500 players, Sidney Crosby was voted the "most difficult to play against, best role model, best team player, the player you'd want to win one game, and the player who would be a great coach upon retirement".

April 2018: Crosby Chosen as Nova Scotia's 'Best athlete ever'

In April 2018, Sidney Crosby was chosen as Nova Scotia's "Best athlete ever" by the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame.

December 31, 2018: 900th NHL Game

On December 31, 2018, Crosby played his 900th NHL game in a 3–2 win over the Minnesota Wild.

January 3, 2019: All-Star MVP Award

On January 3, 2019, Crosby was selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game for the eighth time and won his first All-Star MVP award.

March 2019: Mike Sullivan calls Crosby 'best 200-foot player'

In March 2019, Pittsburgh head coach Mike Sullivan described Sidney Crosby as "best 200-foot player in the game" and the "heartbeat" of the Penguins.

March 2019: Crosby Regarded Best All-Around NHL Player by Peers

In March 2019, an anonymous survey conducted by The Athletic showed that Sidney Crosby was regarded as the best all-around NHL player by his peers.

September 2019: Rimouski Océanic Retired Jersey Number 87

In September 2019, the Rimouski Océanic retired jersey number 87 in Sidney Crosby's honor, and the QMJHL also retired the number for all of its teams.

2019: Jersey Number Retired

In 2019, the Océanic and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League retired Crosby's jersey number 87.

January 2020: NHL All-Decade First Team Selection

In January 2020, Sidney Crosby was selected to the NHL All-Decade First Team.

2020: Season

In the 2020–21 season, Crosby led the team in scoring with 62 points (24 goals and 38 assists), and was the recipient of the team's MVP Award and the Players' Player Award.

February 20, 2021: 1,000 Games with Penguins

On February 20, 2021, Crosby became the first player in Penguins history to play 1,000 games with the franchise in a 3–2 win over the New York Islanders.

2021: Finalist for Ted Lindsay Award

In 2021, Sidney Crosby was again a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award.

February 15, 2022: Crosby Scores 500th Career Goal

On February 15, 2022, Sidney Crosby achieved a significant career milestone by scoring his 500th career goal against the Philadelphia Flyers. This goal, scored on a power play, made him the 46th player in NHL history to reach this mark and the 18th to score all of them for a single team. He became the second Penguin to score 500 goals, following Mario Lemieux.

November 5, 2022: Crosby Records 900th Career Assist

On November 5, 2022, Sidney Crosby achieved another milestone by recording his 900th career assist on a goal by Jake Guentzel during a game against the Seattle Kraken. Despite the Penguins losing the game 3-2, Crosby became the sixth-fastest player in NHL history to reach 900 assists.

2022: Crosby called 'arguably North America's most dominant team-sport Winter Olympian.'

Four months before the 2022 Winter Olympics, Rob Rossi of The Athletic called Sidney Crosby "arguably North America's most dominant team-sport Winter Olympian."

November 4, 2023: Crosby skates in his 1,200th game

On November 4, 2023, Sidney Crosby played in his 1,200th NHL game, marking a significant milestone in his career. During the game, he recorded an assist in a 10–2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Crosby reflected on his enduring passion for the sport, noting that his love for hockey extends to both the triumphs and the challenges.

April 1, 2024: Crosby Averages Point Per Game for 19th Consecutive Season

On April 1, 2024, following a 5–2 win over the New York Rangers, Sidney Crosby became only the second player in NHL history, joining Wayne Gretzky, to average at least a point per game for 19 consecutive seasons, highlighting his consistent performance and contribution to his team.