Crosby gets standing ovation after recording franchise-leading assist

Sidney Crosby is one of a kind, and everyone at PPG Paints Arena on Sunday wanted to make sure he knows it.

The Pittsburgh Penguins forward recorded his 1,034th NHL assist during team’s game against the New York Islanders, passing Mario Lemieux for the most assists in franchise history. As the achievement was announced, fans in the building gave Crosby a loud standing ovation.

Crosby responded with a warm wave of acknowledgement from the bench.

"Just definitely appreciate it," Crosby said after the game. "Have had some special moments here at home over the years. To get that kind of reception, to be up in the game and that sort of thing, it means a lot."

The record-setting assist came on Michael Bunting’s second-period power play goal, on a backhanded pass from Crosby, which Bunting buried to give the Penguins a 2-0 lead.

After the assist, Lemieux released a statement congratulating Crosby on the achievement.

Crosby was selected No. 1 overall in the 2005 NHL Draft and has played 1,310 games in his career. The 37-year-old has the second most points (1,636) and goals (602) all-time for the Penguins, trailing Lemieux (1,723 points; 690 goals, 1,033 assists in 915 games).

– NHL.com Independent Correspondent Wes Crosby contributed to this report