Crosby hits 50-goal mark for 1st time

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby reached the 50-goal mark for the first time in his five-season career, scoring twice in the first two periods against the New York Islanders.

Washington's Alex Ovechkin tied Crosby for the NHL lead in goals by scoring twice in Pittsburgh during the Capitals' 6-3 victory on Tuesday, giving him 48 goals. Crosby regained the lead by scoring on a wrist shot from the right circle in the final minute of the first period Thursday.

Crosby hit the 50-goal mark on a slap shot from the right point on a power play at 14:34 of the second - the 500th point of his career.

Crosby's previous career high was 39 goals as a rookie in 2005-06. He scored 33 goals last season, when he led the Penguins to the Stanley Cup.