The Pittsburgh Penguins are entering the postseason with renewed confidence after a turnaround this year that has placed them back among the contenders. Their position in the standings has improved with better structure and consistency after missing that edge last season.
As the playoffs approach, attention is on a milestone that could reshape the franchise’s postseason narrative. That looming achievement centers around captain Sidney Crosby, whose playoff resume already places him among the best. Now with a small effort, he will cross into territory dominated by some of the game’s most iconic names.
Sidney Crosby Nears Elite Playoff Club Led by Oilers Legends
Crosby is on the verge of entering one of the most exclusive groups in NHL playoff history, a list that has long been controlled by legends from the Edmonton Oilers’ dynasty.
Penguins beat writer Josh Yohe pointed out, “Sidney Crosby has 201 points in 180 career Stanley Cup playoff games. His next playoff point will push him past Jaromir Jagr into fifth place all time.”
If he reaches that mark, Crosby will trail only Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Jari Kurri, and Glenn Anderson, a group that defined playoff dominance during the Oilers’ peak years.
What makes this milestone more special is that those four players all contributed to the same championship core, making Crosby’s entry into that tier even more significant as a standalone achievement.
Crosby already holds the Penguins’ franchise record for postseason points, having surpassed Mario Lemieux’s total. He also remains the highest-scoring active player in playoff history, sitting comfortably ahead of teammate Evgeni Malkin.
Heading into the 2026 playoffs, Crosby continues to deliver at a high level despite being 38. With one game left in the regular season, he has 74 points in 68 games. This season has helped him extend his point-per-game streak to 21 consecutive seasons, a record he holds on his own.
The Penguins’ Sunday loss to the Washington Capitals exposed some finishing issues, as they were unable to solve Logan Thompson despite generating chances. Still, the broader picture shows a team that has improved across the season, supported by balanced special teams and steady contributions from key players.
As they prepare for the playoffs, Crosby’s pursuit of history brings extra significance to a campaign that has already shown a strong return to form. That the Penguins will face the Philadelphia Flyers in round 1 bodes well for Crosby, given he has 33 points in 23 games against Philly in the playoffs.
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