Crosby Returns as Penguins Prepare to Battle Hurricanes
RALEIGH, N.C. – In a significant boost for the Pittsburgh Penguins, captain Sidney Crosby is set to return to the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center (7 p.m. ET; FDSNSO, SN-PIT, TVAS2). Crosby expressed his excitement, stating, “Excited to get back in it. Just watching these guys and being on the trip, obviously getting closer… Just happy to finally be back in there.”
The 38-year-old center suffered a lower-body injury during Team Canada’s thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against Team Czechia in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Winter Olympics on February 18th. He was unfortunately unable to participate in the subsequent semifinal and the gold medal game, where Team Canada ultimately fell to Team USA 2-1 in overtime on February 22nd. Despite the injury, Crosby contributed six points (two goals, four assists) in four games for Canada and proudly accepted his silver medal on the ice.
Recovery and Preparation
Initially, Crosby was projected to be sidelined for at least four weeks. He acknowledged the challenge of re-integrating into the lineup, saying, “We haven’t had a ton of practices; we’re playing every other day. As far as getting touches and handling the puck, I’ve done a lot of that in the past few weeks, so hopefully that’s something that will feel pretty good.” He emphasized the importance of ensuring a complete recovery, stating, “I think it’s just been a matter of how I feel, just trying to make sure…that everything is good in every way, whether it’s the injury itself or getting ready to play.”
Penguins Performance in Crosby’s Absence
The Pittsburgh Penguins (34-18-15) have navigated a 5-3-3 record in Crosby’s absence. Head coach Dan Muse praised Crosby’s impact, even while sidelined. “It’s great to have him back,” Muse said. “The work that he’s put in to be back. Even when he’s out of the lineup, he’s making a major impact on this group, just with his leadership, just being around the group. I can’t speak enough about how much of an impact he makes on an every day basis. You saw it even during the stretch when he was out of the lineup. So now to have him back, it’s obviously exciting for him, exciting for us.”
Crosby’s Impact and Legacy
In his 21st NHL season, Crosby continues to lead the Penguins with an impressive 59 points (27 goals, 32 assists) in 56 games. Recognized as one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players, Crosby boasts an incredible list of accolades, including two Hart Trophies (NHL MVP), three Ted Lindsay Awards (NHLPA MVP), two Art Ross Trophies (scoring leader), and two Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophies (leading goal scorer).
Defenseman Kris Letang highlighted Crosby’s irreplaceable value: “He is irreplaceable and if you get him back in your lineup, you get so much better in a quick instant. We’re happy that he’s on the right path.”
Pittsburgh enters the game with a 2-1-1 record on their current five-game road trip, fresh off a dominant 7-2 victory against the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche on Monday. Crosby expressed his renewed appreciation for the team’s dedication, stating, “It’s never easy watching, but I think you gain even more appreciation when you’re (out of the lineup). You just see on a nightly basis the way we work, the way we compete. Just coming back in games, a lot of different things. Just want to jump in there and contribute the best I can.”
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