The Pittsburgh Penguins are facing the very real possibility that they will be without their superstar and engine in the legendary Sidney Crosby for Game 6 on Friday.
Crosby was hit high by New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba midway through the second period of Pittsburgh’s 5-3 loss in Game 5 on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden after the two tangled in open ice.
Penguins coach Mike Sullivan on Thursday morning said that Crosby “will be evaluated when he goes back to Pittsburgh with us today,” labeling the injury an upper-body issue.
It appeared that Trouba’s elbow hit Crosby in the head, though it could have been a reaction to his stick getting caught in the Penguins skater’s blade. No word yet on whether or not the Rangers’ defenseman will face disciplinary action from the league.
Sid hasn’t returned after this hit pic.twitter.com/iiNt58yAlk
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) May 12, 2022
The loss of Crosby tipped the game well in the Rangers’ favor. Pittsburgh was in complete control and leading 2-0 in the second period with an opportunity to close out the series and eliminate New York. ‘
Upon Crosby’s exit, though, the Rangers pumped three goals past Louis Domingue to send them on their way.
Regardless of the status of the series, which the Penguins now lead 3-2, the concern comes down to the health of Crosby, who has experienced concussion issues throughout his career.
He missed 108 games between 2010-2012 after suffering a concussion and the ensuing concussion-related symptoms.
