Penguins’ Crosby to return vs. Hurricanes after 11-game absence

2 weeks ago 17

Canada’s captain is back.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will make his return to the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes, head coach Dan Muse confirmed to reporters.

Crosby missed the Penguins’ last 11 games due to a lower-body injury he suffered playing for Canada at the Winter Olympics.

“Excited to get back in it,” Crosby said after the team’s morning skate on Wednesday. “… It’s been close, so just happy to finally be back in there.”

The 38-year-old has been sidelined since Canada’s quarterfinals game against Czechia, when his leg bent awkwardly on a hit from defenceman Radko Gudas. He did not return for the remainder of the tournament.

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Pittsburgh ruled out Crosby for at least four weeks and placed the forward on injured reserve retroactive to Feb 25.

Crosby leads the Penguins with 27 goals and 59 points in 56 games this season.

He returns to the lineup with the Penguins in the thick of a tight playoff race in the Eastern Conference. Pittsburgh (34-18-15) enters Wednesday’s game tied for second in the Metropolitan Division with 83 points.

The Penguins trail the Hurricanes by seven points for the division lead and are just two points ahead of the fourth-place Columbus Blue Jackets.

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