Outstanding: Sidney Crosby and the Penguins are in top form. © APA / JASON MOWRY

Crosby on his way to becoming the comeback king of the NHL

The situation at the Pittsburgh Penguins, surrounding their superstar Sidney Crosby, is significantly better at the beginning of 2026 than many expected at the start of the season.

05 January 2026

By: nhl/sn

On Sunday (local time), the team prevailed 5-4 in overtime against the host Columbus Blue Jackets at the Nationwide Arena, celebrating their fifth consecutive victory.

The Penguins erased a three-goal deficit before Crosby himself completed the comeback for the visitors in Ohio after 2:22 minutes in the ensuing overtime.

Historic comeback and special milestone for Crosby

With that goal, Crosby became the first player in NHL history to score 50 points in overtime. He has tallied 25 goals and 25 assists in overtime throughout his career. The captain now has a total of 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in a personal streak of seven games with at least one point.

Crosby has now scored the winning goal 112 times. © APA / JASON MOWRY

Crosby also scored his 112th career game-winning goal (including Stanley Cup Playoffs), tying with Guy Lafleur for tenth place on the NHL's all-time list. Wayne Gretzky (115) is ninth.

Furthermore, Crosby is only the fourth player in NHL history to have been involved in 20 comeback victories after trailing by three goals. The others are Kevin Lowe, Mark Messier, and Steve Yzerman (all with 21).