"Dear John. It'll only get better from here. Best, Sid.

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby and New York Islanders franchise prospect John Tavares each posted goal-and-assist games, but Crosby's club is where Tavares can only hope to take his — and the grit of a champion is what separated the Penguins and Islanders on Saturday night at Nassau Coliseum.

Third-period rally goals by defenseman Mark Eaton and Ruslan Fedotenko earned the Penguins one point, and they snagged another one in the shootout with consecutive scores by defenseman Kris Letang and Crosby to down the Islanders, 4-3.

"It's not often you can play just 20 good minutes and win the game," Eaton said. "We were fortunate to get the win."

The Penguins (2-0-0) were fortunate in 2005 when they won a draft lottery and the option of selecting Crosby, then known as "The Next One," with the first overall pick.

He's played 292 games since and recorded his 400th point last night — becoming the sixth fastest player to reach that plateau. The only other players to beat him to it: All-time points leader Wayne "The Great One" Gretzky (197 games); former Penguins great Mario Lemieux (240); Peter Stastny (247); Eric Lindros (277); and past Islanders legend Mike Bossy (283).

Bossy was on-hand last night to witness the start of Tavares' career. The most hyped prospect to enter the National Hockey League since Crosby, Tavares, drafted No.1 overall in June, was greeted enthusiastically by a sellout crowd during pregame introductions.

Like Crosby was then by Penguins ownership, Tavares is viewed by Islanders brass as the linchpin in their efforts to land a new arena and save the franchise.

If impressing Crosby is any indication, Tavares might just have that in him.

"I thought he played well. It's going to get easier and easier," Crosby said. "I played against him a bit and he looked pretty responsible out there. He's got a nose for the net. He looked strong and he's only going to get better."

The Islanders would be thrilled if Tavares' first four years matched those by Crosby. Then again, who wouldn't?"