Sidney Crosby leaves Penguins game with lower-body injury against Senators

OTTAWA — The Pittsburgh Penguins’ big names can’t stay healthy, and the biggest of them all left late in the first period of a crucial game in Ottawa.

Sidney Crosby, at the conclusion of a shift against the Senators, skated off the ice and immediately departed for the Penguins’ dressing room. Though he did return for a single shift in the second period, the team announced shortly after that he would not return. Crosby appeared to be favoring his right leg on his way to the dressing room.

This was only Crosby’s fifth game since returning after a monthlong absence because of an injury in the quarterfinals of the Milan Cortina Olympics in February. Crosby’s injury in the Olympics was a Grade 2 to the MCL on his left knee.

Crosby has produced 5 points in five games since returning to the lineup. For the season, Crosby, 38, has produced 64 points in 61 games.

The Penguins were already playing in Ottawa without Evgeni Malkin, who is missing his second consecutive game with a hand injury. Pittsburgh entered action Thursday night 1 point clear of a playoff spot, with a number of other teams directly on their tail.

Coach Dan Muse confirmed that Crosby is dealing with a lower-body injury following the game, but didn’t offer specifics.

“Still have to get some updates,” he said. “I’ve got to talk to the staff some more. Lower body. But I don’t have any other update.”

Crosby was walking around the locker room, dressed in a suit and tie, during the third period and overtime. He walked past the media following the game, on his way to the team bus, and didn’t appear to be limping.

The Penguins obviously hope their captain is back soon.

“It’s obviously not something you want to see,” Erik Karlsson said. “Hopefully he is fine.”

The Penguins were able to enhance their level of play with Crosby out of the lineup and ultimately beat the Senators in a shootout 4-3. It was perhaps their biggest win of the season and came without contributions from Crosby or Malkin.

“I think it’s everybody (stepping up),” Karlsson said. “When Sid leaves the game, we have two options. We can hang our heads and admit defeat. Or you can say, ‘I’m going to do my absolute best with him out.’ I think we did that today. Not just myself. Everybody chipped in.”

They next play Saturday at home against the Dallas Stars.