Sidney Crosby’s scored an empty-net goal from his knees to finish a 6-3 win for the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Washington Capitals on Sunday.
The goal was the 467th of Cole Harbour star’s career and secured a victory over the rival Capitals.
For Nova Scotia hockey historians the goal was much more significant as Crosby passed Port Hood’s Al MacInnis to become the province’s top point producer in the NHL.
The goal gave Crosby 1,275 points, one more than the Hockey Hall of Fame blue-liner who starred for the St. Louis Blues and Calgary Flames during a 23-year career.
MacInnis compiled his eye popping 1,274 points, that included 340 goals, as a defenceman in 1,416 games. Crosby broke the record in 997 contests.
MacInnis also has the distinction of being the NHL’s third-highest scoring defenceman in history behind Ray Bourque and Paul Coffey.
Bobby Smith, who was born in North Sydney, is third on the list with 1,036 points.
Hammonds Boston Bruins star Brad Marchand of Hammonds Plains moved into the fourth spot earlier this year with 664 points. He passed Bridgewater’s Glen Murray, who finished his 16-year career at 651.
Quickly climbing the list is Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon, who is sixth with 509 points. The Cole Harbour player returned to action on Sunday, but was held off the scoresheet. MacKinnon was off to another strong start with 14 points in 11 games but missed the previous two weeks due to injury.
