Crosby passes Lemieux for Penguins' assist record

Sidney Crosby notched his 1,034th career helper to pass Mario Lemieux as the Pittsburgh Penguins' all-time leader in assists Sunday.

Crosby fed Michael Bunting from behind the net for the record assist against the New York Islanders.

"I want to congratulate Sid on setting the team's assist record," Lemieux said in a statement through the club. "He's an amazing player, and we're so fortunate to have him in Pittsburgh. I look forward to even more great things from him."

Crosby had seemingly passed Lemieux on Saturday until a scoring change took away his assist. Instead, Rickard Rakell registered the lone assist on Bunting's power-play goal.

"Yeah, it was a little weird (to break the record twice)," Crosby said, according to team reporter Michelle Crechiolo. "Glad I was able to do it (at home). It's a win. Yeah, it was a little odd the way it went down, for sure."

The Penguins captain accomplished the feat in his 1,310th game. Lemieux tallied his 1,033 assists in 915 contests.

Crosby added three helpers against the Philadelphia Flyers on Dec. 23 to tie the record. He's 15 assists away from tying Gordie Howe for 10th in NHL history.

Lemieux still holds Pittsburgh's franchise marks for goals (690) and points (1,723). Crosby trails him by 88 goals and 87 points.

Crosby signed a two-year extension with the Penguins in September that starts next season.