Sidney Crosby scored twice to claim sixth place outright on the NHL’s career scoring list, and Pittsburgh beat Los Angeles 5-2 to end a four-game losing streak. Tommy Novak also scored twice as the Penguins opened their California trip with a win.

By the Numbers
  • Crosby’s milestone point was his 1,772nd, moving him past Marcel Dionne.
  • Pittsburgh earned its third win in 11 games.
  • Sergei Murashov made 26 saves; Darcy Kuemper stopped 14 shots.
Yes, But

The win offered a needed lift, but Pittsburgh’s recent struggles remain: it had lost four straight and won only three of its previous 11 games. Los Angeles had a potential tying goal overturned after video review ruled its zone entry offside.

State of Play
  • Pittsburgh moved Crosby and Evgeni Malkin onto its top line in an effort to spark the lineup.
  • The Penguins continue their three-game California trip in Anaheim on Sunday; the Kings host Nashville on Tuesday.
Bottom Line

Crosby’s record-setting night came with a timely team win—but Pittsburgh will need more than one breakthrough to turn around its season.