Sidney Crosby plays in 1,000th game; NHL stars send congrats, wish him well on next 1,000

Jackie Spiegelw

Sidney Crosby plays in 1,000th game; NHL stars send congrats, wish him well on next 1,000 image

Sidney Crosby laced up his skates and took the ice Saturday for his 1,000th NHL game. He joined 25 other active skaters who have hit that mark, but he made history as the first to reach the milestone in a Penguins jersey.

He then notched two assists in his team's 3-2 win over the Islanders, including the primary on Kris Letang's game-winner. 

"Everything from the guys in the ceremony and in the room and on the ice, I was just completely spoiled," he said postgame. "So it was a pretty awesome experience and a day that I’ll always remember. It’s even sweeter that we were able to win."

His teammates skated out for warmups in his trademark No. 87 jersey and joined in on his on-ice skate-tying superstition.

The pregame ceremony included messages from his family, a silver stick, a watch and a mosaic of the superstar featuring a photo from every one of his games. It got a little emotional.

The ceremony also included videos from current and former teammates and fellow NHL stars that left Crosby smiling. Here are a few of the best ones. 

Jackie Spiegelw