Pittsburgh Penguins

Crosby diagnosed with concussion, out for Wednesday's game

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby was diagnosed with a concussion following a hit in Monday night's game against the Washington Capitals.

Crosby left the game after taking a hit to the head from Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen, who will reportedly not face discipline from the NHL.

The game was scoreless just over 5 minutes into the first period when Crosby skated just outside the Capitals' crease. Washington's Alex Ovechkin slashed Crosby along the upper body and Crosby slid awkwardly trying to maintain his balance when he collided with Niskanen, who had his stick raised.

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The stick caught Crosby flush across the mouth and the two-time Hart Trophy winner laid on the ice in pain for several moments before slowly skating off the ice under his own power as Pittsburgh trainers searched the area for Crosby's teeth.

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Niskanen was given a five-minute major penalty and a 10-minute game misconduct.

The Washington Post reported Tuesday morning that Niskanen will not face any further disciplinary action from the NHL and will not have a hearing with the NHL's Department of Player Safety.

“I hope he's OK. I certainly didn't mean to injure him. It's an unfortunate play that happened really quick,” Niskanen said.

Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan said Monday night that Crosby would be evaluated overnight, and while he did not offer his opinion of the hit, some teammates did.

“He’s very upbeat. He’s very positive. We’re optimistic and we’re hopeful that we’ll get him back in a timely fashion. You know the nature of these things is that they’re all very different… My experience of dealing with these in the past with players is that they’re day-to-day things,” Sullivan said.

Crosby's head injury history causes concern

“I like Nisky as a person. I don't think it's a very nice hit. I don't think it's something that this game is looking for, especially against someone that means so much to our team,” Chris Kunitz said.

Crosby has a history of serious concussions and missed more than a year of action after suffering a severe concussion during the 2011 Winter Classic, also against Washington.

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Former Penguins player Tyler Kennedy told Channel 11 that Crosby is one of the hardest-working players in the league. Kennedy expects his former teammate to find his way back on the ice during the playoffs.

“You know he’s taking every possible step to get back. He’s a real intelligent guy. He’s someone who is reading up to find the best doctors to take care of him. It’s sad that it’s him, but he’s one of the guys I can see coming back pretty quickly,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy said this Penguins team is talented and deep enough to win without their captain, but he doesn’t think it will be easy.

Penguins winger Conor Sheary was also injured in Monday's game. Sullivan told reporters Sheary was also diagnosed with a concussion.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

 

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