Sidney Crosby Picks Up Assist in NHL Debut but Pens Lose to Devils

Sidney Crosby made his long awaited NHL debut Wednesday night as the National Hockey League returned from its self-imposed one year exile. Crosby, considered the greatest prospect since teammate Mario Lemieux, picked up an assist in his first game but the Pittsburgh Penguins still fell 5-1 to the New Jersey Devils.

Crosby’s assist came at the 5:36 mark of the third period when the 18-year-old phenom feathered a pass along the goal line to teammate Mark Recchi who poked the puck past Devils goalie Martin Brodeur.

The game was all but decided by then, however as New Jersey led 4-0. Brian Gionta scored twice for the Devils as did Sergei Brylin.

Crosby was excited about his NHL debut but disappointed about the loss.

'It's nice to get a point,' Crosby told a crowd of reporters after the game. 'I don't want to look past that. But you play to win every time you go out on the ice and we didn't get that done, so I don't know.'

He also said he tried to follow the advice of his mentor, Mario Lemieux. 'I tried to do what I've been taught by Mario: Enjoy it, because it only happens once,' Crosby said. 'It's a dream come true. I'm happy, but you play to win.'

New Jersey also featured their own rookie, Zach Parise who scored his first NHL goal and assisted on another. Parise, 21, is the son of former Minnesota North Stars and New York Islanders star J.P. Parise.

Martin Brodeur made 36 saves to earn the win before a crowd of 18,101.

While the Penguins lost in Crosby's NHL debut, the rookie made some beautiful passes and showed evidence of why he is so highly regarded by hockey scouts. The future looks bright for Sidney Crosby.