Sidney Crosby named Penguins team MVP for 12th time, tying Mario Lemieux

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby was named team MVP as voted by his teammates, the club announced Thursday evening ahead of a crucial matchup with the Detroit Red Wings at PPG Paints Arena.

Crosby, 36, captures team MVP honors for the 12th time in his career, tying fellow franchise icon Mario Lemieux for the most in club history.

Through 78 games played ahead of Thursday’s puck drop, Crosby leads the Penguins in goals (40), assists (46) and points (86).

His 86 points are tied for 18th in the NHL and he is on pace to lead the Penguins in scoring for the 14th time in his career.

In addition, Crosby’s teammates also voted him as recipient of the Players’ Player Award, given to the player who “exemplifies leadership for the team both on and off the ice and is dedicated to teamwork.”

It’s the sixth time Crosby has won the award.

The two-time Art Ross, Hart Trophy (both in 2007 and 2014), Conn Smythe (2016, 2017) and Rocket Richard (2010, 2017) winner led the Penguins to the 2009, 2016 and 2017 Stanley Cup titles.

Season highlights for Crosby include notching his third 40-goal campaign as well as averaging at least a point per game for the 19th consecutive year — the entirety of his NHL career — tying him with Wayne Gretzky for most all-time.

During the Penguins’ current 6-0-3 hot streak dating to March 24, which the club has used to catapult itself back into the forefront of the Eastern Conference’s battle for postseason qualification, Crosby has contributed seven goals and 10 assists.