Gene J. Puskar / AP

Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby (87) scores a first-period goal over New York Islanders goalie Anders Nilsson during an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh on Monday, Nov. 21, 2011.

Pittsburgh fans have been waiting a long time for this.

AP reports:

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby had a goal and an assist in the first period of his season debut on Monday night against the New York Islanders.

Crosby weaved past three New York defenders then beat Anders Nilsson with a backhand to give the Penguins an early 1-0 lead less than 6 minutes into the game.

Gene J. Puskar / AP

Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby (87) celebrates his first-period goal during an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders in Pittsburgh on Monday, Nov. 21, 2011.

Justin K. Aller / Getty Images

A Pittsburgh Penguins fan stands outside the Consol Energy Center before the start of the game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Islanders on Nov. 21, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.