Report: Penguins captain Crosby dealing with concussion

Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Penguins captain Sidney Crosby dealing with concussion

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 5/13/22

All that Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan initially confirmed was that superstar captain Sidney Crosby was dealing with an unspecified upper-body injury, presumably linked with the controversial high hit delivered by New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba in the second period of Wednesday's Game 5 that New York won to force Friday's Game 6 in Pittsburgh.

Crosby has a well-known history of issues related to concussions and head injuries, and the 34-year-old was ultimately ruled out for Game 6.

His status past Friday is up in the air regardless of if his teammates close the first-round playoff series out or if New York forces a Game 7 that would be played Sunday at Madison Square Garden.

ESPN's Emily Kaplan is reporting that multiple sources say Crosby is dealing with a concussion:

As I reported on The Point, multiple sources have confirmed Sidney Crosby has a concussion.

Obviously a positive sign he skated this morning, but given the nature of head injuries, it’s unfair to speculate when he may return.
— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) May 13, 2022

Crosby attempted to remain in Game 5 and even completed two additional shifts following the Trouba hit but then left the bench before the end of the second period. He never returned to the ice but skated with skills coach Ty Hennes on Friday morning.

It was learned Thursday that Trouba avoided any fine or suspension from the league.

Along with Crosby, All-Star starting goalie Tristan Jarry remained out through at least Friday due to the reported broken right foot that's sidelined him since April 14. Journeyman and third-choice option Louis Domingue was set to get his fifth straight start in place of standard backup Casey DeSmith, who underwent season-ending core muscle surgery last Friday.

It's unclear if Jarry could be cleared to start by Sunday night.

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