Sidney Crosby, often dubbed "Sid the Kid," has cemented his place among hockey's elite. Yet, despite a career brimming with accolades, the shadow of Mario Lemieux, "Super Mario," looms large in Pittsburgh. The debate continues: has Crosby truly surpassed, or even equaled, Lemieux's legacy?
Crosby's resume is undeniably impressive. Drafted first overall in 2005, he quickly became the face of the Penguins, leading them to three Stanley Cups (2009, 2016, 2017). He boasts two Conn Smythe Trophies (2016, 2017) as playoff MVP, two Hart Memorial Trophies (2007, 2014) as league MVP, and two Art Ross Trophies (2007, 2014) as the NHL's leading scorer. In 2010, he scored the "Golden Goal" for Canada at the Vancouver Olympics, a moment etched in hockey history. Furthermore, Crosby recently captained Team Canada to a championship win in the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off in 2025, adding another international feather to his cap. He has also surpassed Lemieux for the most team MVP awards with 13, and recently tied Lemieux for the most assists in Penguins history. Over the last quarter century, Crosby ranks at the top of every major regular-season category, including points (1,637).
Lemieux's career, however, is a tapestry of breathtaking skill and resilience. Drafted first overall in 1984, he single-handedly transformed the Penguins from a struggling franchise into a Stanley Cup contender. He led them to their first two championships in 1991 and 1992, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1991. Lemieux's trophy case includes three Hart Trophies (1988, 1993, 1996) and six Art Ross Trophies (1988, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997). What truly sets Lemieux apart is the adversity he overcame. He battled Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple back injuries, and hip issues, yet returned to dominate the league each time. In 1999, after retiring, he saved the Penguins from bankruptcy, becoming the team's owner and ensuring their continued presence in Pittsburgh.
The statistical comparison is compelling. Lemieux amassed 690 goals and 1,033 assists for 1,723 points in just 915 games. Crosby, through his 20th season, has 602 goals and 1,035 assists for 1,637 points in 1,311 games. While Crosby has surpassed Lemieux in assists and games played, Lemieux's goals and points per game remain superior. Adjusting for era, which accounts for the differences in scoring environments, further solidifies Lemieux's statistical dominance.
Beyond statistics, Lemieux's impact on the Penguins and the city of Pittsburgh is immeasurable. He rescued the franchise from relocation, not once, but twice – first as a player, then as an owner. His leadership paved the way for a new arena and solidified the team's long-term future in Pittsburgh. Recently, there have been reports of Lemieux potentially reacquiring a stake in the Penguins, signaling his continued commitment to the team and the city.
Crosby's leadership and dedication are undeniable, and his on-ice achievements have brought immense success to Pittsburgh. However, Lemieux's combination of extraordinary talent, perseverance in the face of adversity, and his role in saving the franchise create a legacy that remains unmatched.
While Crosby has undoubtedly reached the pantheon of hockey greats, surpassing Lemieux is a monumental task. As Crosby continues his career, he has the opportunity to further solidify his legacy. He recently completed his 20th season with the Penguins and signed a two-year contract to stay in Pittsburgh through 2027. For now, however, "Sid the Kid" still falls just short of "Super Mario" in the hearts of many Pittsburgh Penguins fans.
