Crosby Suffers Lower-Body Injury in Penguins’ Shootout Victory Over Senators
Sidney Crosby left early in the second period after appearing to suffer a lower-body issue. The Pittsburgh Penguins prevailed 4-3 in a shootout over the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday.
Game recap
The game was tied 1-1 when Crosby exited after one shift. He had one shot and logged 6:39 of ice time before leaving the bench area.
Pittsburgh secured the win in the shootout. Erik Karlsson recorded a goal and two assists in the victory.
Crosby’s injury and recent history
Crosby suffers what the club called a lower-body injury, and staff promised further updates. Coach Dan Muse said the team needed to speak with medical personnel for a clearer diagnosis.
The 38-year-old center had earlier missed 11 games after a lower-body injury at the 2026 Winter Olympics. That injury occurred in the second period of Team Canada’s 4-3 overtime win over Czechia on Feb. 18.
He did not play in the semifinals or in the 2-1 overtime loss to Team USA on Feb. 22. Crosby returned to the Penguins’ lineup on March 18 and posted a four-game point streak since coming back.
Team response and standings
Several teammates stepped up after Crosby left the contest. Rickard Rakell scored twice and added an assist.
Defenseman Erik Karlsson said the group needed to respond instead of folding. His comments emphasized collective effort and resilience.
The Penguins improved to 36-20-16 and moved into second place in the Metropolitan Division. Pittsburgh travels to PPG Paints Arena to face the Dallas Stars on Saturday.
