Watch: Sidney Crosby makes history on Penguins' OT game-winner

The Penguins let a two-goal lead slip away in the third period, but the overtime win is still a huge lift to their playoff chances. Combined with the Washington Capitals loss to the Buffalo Sabres, the Penguins have  jumped back into a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. 

When you consider where the Penguins were just a couple of weeks ago — nine points out of a playoff spot — it is an absolutely remarkable turnaround in a short period of time. They have used a 10-game point streak that has seen them go 7-0-3 to climb back into it, while also getting a lot of help from the struggling Red Wings, Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers.

The Penguins still have three games to play and now control their own destiny in the playoff race. They also close their regular-season schedule with a potentially massive game against the New York Islanders, another team they are in content with.

Crosby is just the 14th player in NHL history to record 1,000 career assists.

Along with that milestone, his three points on the night also moved him into sole possession of 10th place on the NHL's all-time points list with 1,591, passing Hockey Hall of Famer Phil Esposito. Next on the list is Joe Sakic with 1,641 points.