During Sunday's TSN broadcast between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators, announcer Gord Miller pointed out that Sidney Crosby, who ranks 10th all-time in assists, has set up a player's first NHL goal on 14 occasions.
The Penguins captain ranks second all-time behind Wayne Gretzky, who had assists on 18 first-career goals during his 20 seasons in the league. Although the NHL doesn't officially recognize this record, Crosby is just four helpers away from tying the Great One.
Considering the influx of talent in the Penguins system, including recent call-ups Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen, Crosby may have plenty of opportunities to set up one of the young guns for their first NHL goal.
If that moment occurs, that player or players will join a list that includes the following players:
– Noah Welch (Mar. 26, 2006)
– Kris Letang (Oct. 12, 2006)
– Chris Thorburn (Nov. 6, 2006)
– Alain Nasreddine (Dec. 16, 2006)
– Alex Goligoski (Oct. 5, 2008)
– Deryk Engelland (Nov. 12, 2010)
– Robert Bortuzzo (Feb. 2, 2013)
– Beau Bennett (Feb. 24, 2013)
– Olli Määttä (Oct. 19, 2013)
– Jayson Megna (Oct. 28, 2013)
– Conor Sheary (Dec. 18, 2015)
– Dominik Simon (Jan. 14, 2018)
– Zach Aston-Reese (Feb. 13, 2018)
– Mark Friedman (Mar. 4, 2021)
Given his history, Crosby tends to set up first career goals in bunches. It's been over four years since he registered his last assist on a first goal, which means the captain is due.
Will we see one before the end of this season, or can he collect a couple during the 2025-26 season?
Even though the league would not officially recognize his achievement, it would still be a fun fact on his already Hall of Fame-worthy resume.
