Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan announced Thursday that star centre Sidney Crosby would be evaluated for an upper-body injury. Crosby’s status for game six of the Penguins’ first-round series against the New York Rangers Friday has become uncertain.
Coach Sullivan on Crosby’s status: “Sid will be evaluated when he goes back to Pittsburgh with us today. He has an upper-body injury.”
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) May 12, 2022
Sidney Crosby Uncertain For Game Six
Crosby left game five Wednesday at Madison Square Garden after taking a hit from Rangers defenceman Jacob Trouba in the second period. The Penguins held a 2-0 lead but proceeded to give up three goals in a three-minute span. Pittsburgh would never recover, and the Rangers would stave off elimination with a 5-3 win.
For those who have not seen the play, here it is:
This might be the hit that injured Sidney Crosby. Jacob Trouba delivered it. #Pens pic.twitter.com/Vv9YuL4jT0
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) May 12, 2022
What This Means
Trouba appears to catch Crosby with an elbow to the head. Crosby bounces up quickly after the play but immediately leaves the ice. After a brief time on the bench, Crosby heads to the Pittsburgh dressing room and does not return.
The injury is concerning on multiple levels. Crosby has been lights-out in the playoffs, leading the Penguins with nine points in five games (two goals, seven assists). Beyond that, Crosby seems to be playing his best hockey in years. He is producing offensively as well as driving possession. His effort has been stellar. Missing him could be devastating for the Penguins.
The more significant issue is Crosby’s history of concussions. Over his career, Crosby has missed 108 regular-season games and one playoff game due to concussions. The majority of those missed games came between 2011 and 2012. Because of Crosby’s history, this injury is quite concerning and could have ramifications beyond game six. It was thought in 2012 that Crosby’s career could end prematurely. Given Crosby’s age and his previous concussion history, it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to say that another concussion could be a significant problem for Sidney Crosby’s career going forward.
