Mike Sullivan and Sidney Crosby hit historic milestones with Penguins
- Mike Sullivan coached the Penguins to his 700th game on December 7, 2024.
- Sidney Crosby assisted on a goal, tying for fifth in franchise assists.
- The Penguins are competing for a playoff position with five wins in their last six games.
In Pittsburgh, USA, the Pittsburgh Penguins played against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night, December 7, 2024. This matchup marked a significant milestone for the Penguins' head coach Mike Sullivan, as he became the 21st coach in NHL history to oversee 700 games with a single franchise. Sullivan's coaching record with the Penguins now stands at 387 wins, 232 losses, and 81 overtime losses, reflecting his successful tenure with the team. Additionally, Sullivan is the only coach in franchise history to lead the Penguins to two Stanley Cup championships during the 2016 and 2017 seasons, establishing a strong legacy in the sports community. The game itself turned out to be a triumph for the Penguins as they secured a victory over the Maple Leafs, marking their fifth win in the last six matches. The triumph has positioned the team into contention for a wild-card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, as they tie for the second wild-card position and sit fifth in the Metropolitan Division. As the team prepares for their next game against the Colorado Avalanche, the momentum is building, which could be critical in their quest for a playoff spot. In addition to Sullivan's achievement, captain Sidney Crosby added to his legacy by assisting on Bryan Rust’s goal, giving the Penguins a 2-1 lead during the game. This assist ties Crosby with Gordie Howe for the fifth-most assists in franchise history, totaling 1,023 assists. Crosby is currently chasing Mario Lemieux’s record of 1,033 assists with the team. Since his hire in 2015, Sullivan has undoubtedly contributed to fostering talent and enabling milestones for players like Crosby while consistently pushing the Penguins to perform at high levels. Both Sullivan and Crosby embody the spirit of the Penguins organization, which holds a history of competitive excellence. The achievements celebrated on Saturday signify not only individual milestones but also a collective effort that reflects the culture of the team. As the Penguins continue to strive for success in the regular season and beyond, their ability to reach milestones reinforces their position in the NHL.