Islanders: Complicated relationship with Sidney Crosby on 1,000 games

Only 349 NHL players have ever played 1,000 or more games in the league. Tonight, against the New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will become the 350th player to do so.

As both teams get set for tonight’s game where Crosby will receive the NHL’s silver stick for reaching the milestone. Let’s look back at Crosby’s history with the Islanders. Because while he’s a hated rival it’s hard not to respect what he’s been able to do.

Sidney Crosby loves playing the New York Islanders

Of his 999 NHL games to date, Crosby has played the Islanders 70 times. He’s only played the Rangers and Flyers more with 71 and 72 games against, respectively. But it’s the Islanders who he’s scored the most against.

In those 70 games, Crosby has 116 points. That’s the most against any franchise in his career. Philadelphia is second on his hit list with 107 points against. Of those 116 points against the Isles, 79 are assists and 37 are goals. Nine of those goals are game-winners. Again, that’s the most against any franchise.

Crosby has had the Islanders number for years. It’s what makes him such a hated rival.

But of late, the Isles have started to have some success against Crosby. Sure, he still scores against the Isles (he has eight points in eight games vs Isles in the last three years), and his team still holds a solid 0.650 points-percentage over the Isles, but the Isles have that recent playoff sweep against the Penguins to hang their hat on.

Oh, and you can’t forget this incredible poke check from former Islanders goalie Thomas Greiss.

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There’s no denying Sidney Crosby’s talent. Isles fans certainly hate him, but they also certainly respective from how well he plays the game.