Crosby looking to become the first Penguin to lead the league in goals since Mario Lemieux

Sidney Crosby broke out of a mini-slump Sunday night, scoring goals 46 and 47 on the season against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

With 6 regular season games remaining, Crosby is not only trying to reach the exclusive 50 goal mark for the first time in his career but is also looking to become the first Penguin to lead the league in goal scoring since Mario Lemieux’s 69 goal season in 1995-1996. Lemieux who is the last player to post a 150+ point season, had a memorable season in 1995-1996, scoring 69 goals and 92 assists for 161 points in just 70 games played.

Jaromir Jagr is the last Penguin to score 50+ goals in a season, recording 52 goals in 2000-2001, which ended up being Jagr’s last season in a Penguins uniform.

Crosby who holds a one goal lead over the games elite goal scorer in Alexander Ovechkin (46) and a two goal lead over rising star Steven Stamkos (45), has a favorable schedule the rest of the way.

Pittsburgh’s remaining schedule includes 4 of the 6 games against the New York Islanders and Atlanta Thrashers along with a home game against the Tampa Bay Lightning and a home contest against the Washington Capitals.

Five of six games are against non-playoff teams and four of six games at home.

In four meetings against the New York Islanders this season, Crosby has 3 goals and 5 assists. Meanwhile, playing against rival Alexander Ovechkin brings out the best in Crosby as the Penguins star center has 3 goals and 1 assist in three games.

In his last 10 games against the Capitals (including playoffs), Crosby has 11 goals. Still, despite a favorable schedule and holding a one goal lead over Ovechkin, it’s hard to consider Crosby the favorite to beat out Ovechkin or even Stamkos who is a dynamic goal scorer.

Crosby who also has 94 points on the season, is eyeing his second straight 100+ point season.

The Penguins have had a 100+ point player in four straight seasons. Evgeni Malkin streak of two straight 100+ points season will come to an end. Malkin has battled through injuries and has 70 points in 63 games played.

1. Mario Lemieux – 69 goals (1995-1996)

2. Jaromir Jagr – 62 goals (1995-1996)

3. Jaromir Jagr – 52 goals (2000-2001)

4. Mario Lemieux – 50 goals (1996-1997)

5. Sidney Crosby – 47 (2009-2010, 6 games remaining)

6. Evgeni Malkin – 47 goals (2007-2008)

7. Petr Nedved – 45 goals (1995-1996)

8. Alexei Kovalev – 44 goals (2000-2001)

9. Jaromir Jagr – 44 goals (1998-1999)

10. Jaromir Jagr – 42 goals (1999-2000)