The Pittsburgh Penguins have been one of the NHL’s most successful franchises over the last 25 years, winning multiple Stanley Cups across PA sports betting and developing some of the league’s most dominant players. From future Hall of Famers to key role players, the Penguins’ roster since 2000 has been packed with talent. Based on their quarter-century point shares, PennStakes.com took a look at the players who have made the biggest impact.
Player | Years With Team | Quarter-Century Point Shares |
Sidney Crosby | 2006-Present | 198.3 |
Evgeni Malkin | 2007-Present | 155.0 |
Jordan Staal | 2007-2012 | 26.7 |
Mario Lemieux | 2001-2006 | 24.0 |
At the heart of the Penguins' success has been their elite core of centers. Leading the way is Sidney Crosby, who has been the face of the franchise since 2006. With a staggering 198.3 quarter-century point shares, Crosby has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in NHL history. Right behind him is Evgeni Malkin, another cornerstone of the team, who boasts 155.0 point shares since his debut in 2007. Together, Crosby and Malkin have driven Pittsburgh’s offensive dominance for over a decade.
While Jordan Staal (26.7) and Mario Lemieux (24.0) had shorter stints in this era, their contributions were crucial. Lemieux’s return in the early 2000s helped stabilize the franchise, and Staal played a key role in Pittsburgh’s 2009 Stanley Cup win.
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Player | Years With Team | Quarter-Century Point Shares |
Chris Kunitz | 2010-2019 | 52.7 |
Pascal Dupuis | 2009-2016 | 29.5 |
James Neal | 2011-2014 | 25.1 |
Ryan Malone | 2004-2008 | 15.9 |
The left-wing position has seen some key contributors over the years, with Chris Kunitz leading the group at 52.7 point shares. Kunitz, a four-time Stanley Cup champion (three with Pittsburgh), was an essential part of the Penguins’ top lines from 2010 to 2019.
Pascal Dupuis (29.5), James Neal (25.1), and Ryan Malone (15.9) also left their marks. Dupuis’ two-way play and chemistry with Crosby made him invaluable, while Neal’s scoring ability was crucial during his tenure. Malone, a homegrown talent, played a significant role in the Penguins’ early 2000s resurgence.
Player | Years With Team | Quarter-Century Point Shares |
Jake Guentzel | 2017-2024 | 53.4 |
Bryan Rust | 2015-Present | 45.1 |
Patric Hornqvist | 2015-2020 | 32.5 |
Phil Kessel | 2016-2019 | 32.3 |
The Penguins have had several productive right wings in the last 25 years, with Jake Guentzel topping the list at 53.4 point shares. From 2017 to last season, Guentzel was one of Pittsburgh’s most reliable scorers and a key playoff performer.
Bryan Rust (45.1), Patric Hornqvist (32.5), and Phil Kessel (32.3) also played pivotal roles. Rust, known for his clutch performances, continues to be a vital part of the team. Hornqvist’s physicality and net-front presence were instrumental in the Penguins’ back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2016 and 2017, while Kessel’s offensive firepower was a major asset.
Player | Years With Team | Quarter-Century Point Shares |
Kristopher Letang | 2007-Present | 126.3 |
Sergei Gonchar | 2006-2010 | 38.6 |
Brian Dumoulin | 2014-2023 | 30.1 |
Brooks Orpik | 2003-2014 | 28.5 |
Marcus Pettersson | 2019-2025 | 26.3 |
Olli Maatta | 2014-2019 | 24.0 |
On the blue line, Kristopher Letang has been the Penguins’ anchor since 2007, amassing 126.3 point shares. A key part of multiple championship runs, Letang’s ability to contribute offensively and defensively has made him indispensable.
Other impactful defensemen include Sergei Gonchar (38.6), Brian Dumoulin (30.1), Brooks Orpik (28.5), Marcus Pettersson (26.3), and Olli Maatta (24.0). Gonchar was a leader during the team’s rise in the late 2000s, while Dumoulin and Orpik were key defensive stalwarts in their respective eras.
Player | Years With Team | Quarter-Century Point Shares |
Marc Andre-Fleury | 2004-2017 | 120.3 |
Tristan Jarry | 2017-2025 | 49.6 |
Goaltending has been a critical part of the Penguins’ success, with Marc-André Fleury leading the way at 120.3 point shares. Fleury, the backbone of Pittsburgh’s three Stanley Cup wins in 2009, 2016, and 2017, was the team’s rock for over a decade. Following Fleury, Tristan Jarry has been the Penguins’ primary goalie since 2019, accumulating 49.6 point shares and proving to be a reliable netminder until recent years with the team.
The Pittsburgh Penguins’ success over the last 25 years has been fueled by legendary talents and key contributors. From Crosby and Malkin’s offensive brilliance to Letang’s steady leadership and Fleury’s clutch goaltending, this team has built a legacy that continues to define the franchise.
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USA Today photo by Charles LeClaire.
Sidney Crosby leads all Pittsburgh Penguins players in point shares this quarter century. Crosby, who has close competition from Evgeni Malkin, has 198.3 point shares since he joined the franchise in 2006.
Kris Letang, who's played for the Pittsburgh Penguins since 2007, is considered as one of the top defenseman in team history. His 126.3 point shares this quarter century is nearly 88 points higher than the man second on the list, Sergei Gonchar.
Marc Andre-Fleury was key to the Penguins' success this quarter century, playing with the organization from 2004-2017. Andre-Fleury amassed 120.3 point shares during his time with Pittsburgh, by far the most for Penguins goalies dating back to 2000.
Author
Thomas Leary is a news editor and writer for PennStakes.com. He previously spent six years at Sports Business Journal, where he helped identify emerging sectors across sports business, such as legalized gambling, and helped launch a digital newsletter division. Thomas lives in Charlotte, N.C.
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