Quite a race right now for the Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophy, awarded each year to the league’s leading goal scorer.
Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins currently leads the NHL with 37 goals, but he has the night off. Sidney Crosby entered Friday’s game against the New Jersey Devils only two goals back of Marchand, but No. 87 has since closed the gap to one.
Crosby scored goal No. 36 for his season, as he one-timed a perfect pass from Mark Streit during a late first-period power play. That capped a wild opening 20 minutes, as the two teams combined for five goals.
There are currently 13 players, including rookies Patrik Laine and Auston Matthews, with 30 goals or more, so this race is wide open right now.
Updated: Crosby scored into an empty net in the third period, giving him 37 goals, which ties Marchand for the league lead. The Penguins won 6-4.