Penguins trio sets all-time record after starting 18th season together

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

There is an entire generation of Pittsburgh Penguins fans who only know one era of black-and-yellow hockey.

On Tuesday night, Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin took the ice to begin their 18th season together as teammates.

Not only is that the most seasons by any trio in NHL history, but it’s now the longest tenure of any group of three teammates in the history of the four North American big leagues.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) celebrates with Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Phil Kessel (81), Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) and Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (58) after scoring a goal in the second period of the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Tampa Bay Lightning on December 10, 2016, at Amalie Arena in Tampa Florida.  (Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Three members of the New York Yankees’ "Core Four" previously held the record, as Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada suited up in navy blue pinstripes for 17 seasons together. Andy Pettitte is the other member of the Core Four, but he briefly spent time with the Houston Astros and retired before a comeback to the big leagues.

Crosby was the first overall selection of the 2005 NHL Draft and wasted zero time, making his NHL debut when that season started and notching his first point in that game. Crosby, of course, has lived up to the billing and hype he has received, as he is now a nine-time All-Star and two-time Hart Trophy winner and made the 2010s All-Decade first team.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) looks on during the