Good News, Bad News Regarding Crosby’s Latest Injury

Crosby left a game against the Ottawa Senators early after appearing to favor his right leg. Though he returned for one shift in the second period, the Penguins announced he would not play the rest of the game. “Still have to get some updates,” coach Dan Muse said. “I’ve got to talk to the staff some more. Lower body. But I don’t have any other update.”

This marked only Crosby’s fifth appearance since returning from a monthlong absence caused by a Grade 2 MCL injury to his left knee sustained during the Milan Cortina Olympics in February.

The Penguins Can’t Afford to Lose Crosby Again

Pittsburgh came into Thursday’s game one point clear of a playoff spot, with several other teams right on their tail. They’d lost two in a row, and things are starting to get tight. The good news is that they picked up the win in a shootout over the Senators.

The timing of Crosby’s injury is not ideal, especially given that Evgeni Malkin is also out with a hand injury. “It’s obviously not something you want to see,” Erik Karlsson said. “Hopefully, he is fine.” Pittsburgh navigated Crosby’s last absence and stayed in the playoff mix. Asking them to do it again would be a challenge.