While it appeared as though it could have been a death blow for the Pittsburgh Penguins, the loss of team captain Sidney Crosby to a lower-body injury last month during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan has actually been a rallying cry for the rest of the club.
The Penguins are currently tied for the second overall spot in the Metropolitan Division, which included a five-game absence of fellow Crosby star Evgeni Malkin, who was suspended for a slash to the head of Buffalo Sabres team captain Rasmus Dahlin.
However, the Penguins are set to get a major boost as their playoff chase kicks into overdrive.
Pittsburgh has announced that Crosby, who hasn’t played an NHL game since before the start of the Olympics in February, is set to make his return to the ice.
Penguins head coach Dan Muse confirmed on Wednesday morning that Crosby is good to go and will be in the lineup later in the evening against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Sidney Crosby Returns For The Pittsburgh Penguins On Wednesday
Following practice on Wednesday morning, Crosby himself confirmed that he’ll be in the lineup and that he’s naturally excited to get back out there.
“Excited to get back in it,” Crosby explained to media members in the dressing room following practice. “Just watching these guys, being on the (road) trip, obviously getting closer (to returning) — it’s been close. So, just happy to finally be back in there.”
While representing Team Canada in the Olympics, Crosby suffered a lower-body injury against Team Czechia, and while he badly wanted to take part in the pivotal gold medal contest against Team USA, he ultimately wasn’t able to play.
Not long after returning to Pittsburgh following the Olympics, the Penguins announced that Crosby would miss at least four weeks while rehabilitating his injury.
Penguins Officially Announce Sidney Crosby Return Date