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Crosby can reach 100 points when Penguins visit Rangers

Mar 1, 2007 - 5:07 PM Pittsburgh (33-20-9) at NY Rangers (30-27-6) 7:00 pm EST

NEW YORK (Ticker) -- The evolution of Sidney Crosby to superstar status is about to take another dramatic step.

The league's top scorer, Crosby can reach the 100-point mark for the second time in as many seasons Thursday when the Pittsburgh Penguins visit the New York Rangers.

After scoring 102 points as a rookie last season, Crosby has 97 this season and leads Martin St. Louis of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the race for the Art Ross Trophy. He also tops the NHL with 71 assists.

However, Pittsburgh came up empty on 31 shots on goal in Tuesday's 1-0 loss to the New Jersey Devils. The Penguins trail the Devils by 11 points in the Atlantic Division race.

Pittsburgh made a pair of deals prior to Tuesday's trade deadline, acquiring Gary Roberts from the Florida Panthers and Georges Laraque from the Phoenix Coyotes. Both may make their debuts with the Penguins.

The Rangers rebounded from three consecutive one-goal losses with Tuesday's 4-0 triumph over the Montreal Canadiens.

Marcel Hossa scored twice, Jaromir Jagr had a goal and an assist and Henrik Lundqvist made 19 saves for his third shutout of the season for the Rangers.

The teams have split their first four matchups this season, with the Rangers taking a 3-2 shootout victory December 7.