Here’s a unique and engaging rewrite of the headline: “Top 5 Unforgettable Penguins Highlights on Ice in 2025”

As 2025 draws to a close tonight, the Pittsburgh Penguins reflect on a year filled with memorable moments on the ice, despite falling short in the playoffs. Watching legends Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang play together remains special, given their impressive achievements over the past two decades.

Looking back, here are the top five highlights for the Penguins this year:

1. Alex Nedeljković’s Historic Goal
   Tristan Jarry made NHL history as the first Penguins goalie to score in 2023, and Alex Nedeljković became the second on January 17th. During a 4-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres, Nedeljković skilfully played the puck behind the net and sent it down the ice to score his first goal. His celebration on the bench was met with playful teasing from teammates. Interestingly, Nedeljković also recorded an assist in the same game, making him the first goalie in NHL history to tally both a goal and an assist in one match.

2. Rookies Shine with First NHL Goals
   Young players made significant impacts throughout the season. Rutger McGroarty, called up from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, netted his first NHL goal on April 3rd against the St. Louis Blues, tying the game late and pushing it to overtime with an assist from fellow rookie Vile Koivunen. Harrison Brunike scored his debut NHL goal on October 9th versus the New York Islanders with a precise shot. Ben Kindel followed suit on October 11th against the New York Rangers and ended the season strong with multiple goals. Koivunen overcame an unusual start to his NHL career after a snake bite and scored his first goal on December 4th assisted by Kris Letang.

3. Letang’s Major Milestone: 600th Assist
   On October 21st, Kris Letang reached an important career milestone by recording his 600th assist during a dominant 5-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. This achievement places him among the elite ranks of active defensemen and NHL history, and he is closing in on 800 career points, which would make him the 20th defenseman ever to reach that mark.

4. Crosby Breaks Wayne Gretzky’s Points-Per-Game Record
   Sidney Crosby matched and then surpassed Gretzky’s record of 19 points in a season by scoring 80 points against the Sabers on March 27. His performance ensured a 20 points-per-game average in his 20th NHL season, finishing with 33 goals and 91 points in 80 games. Crosby continues to excel this season, maintaining an impressive points pace.

5. Crosby Surpasses Mario Lemieux in Franchise Points
   On December 21st, Crosby achieved what many expected by passing Mario Lemieux for the Penguins’ all-time points record during a game against the Montreal Canadiens. His assist on Rickard Rakell’s goal marked the record-breaking moment, earning heartfelt congratulations from Lemieux himself. Crosby now ranks eighth in NHL history with 1,727 points and is closing in on Steve Yzerman’s seventh-place mark, a milestone he could reach by the mid-2025-26 season if he maintains his health and performance.

Fan Take:
This recap showcases the Penguins’ blend of legendary talent and rising stars, emphasizing the importance of legacy and youth in hockey. For fans, these milestones underscore the ongoing evolution of the game and highlight why Pittsburgh remains a cornerstone franchise in the NHL, inspiring future generations.