Penguins star and still the presumable face of the NHL Sidney Crosby‘s career is on hold following a third concussion which the team confirmed Monday.
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has been diagnosed with a concussion, it was announced by Executive Vice President and General Manager Jim Rutherford.
Crosby sat out Saturday’s preseason game vs. Columbus because he was not feeling well, and missed practice today to undergo concussion testing.
Crosby’s status will be updated when more information is available. The Penguins open the regular season Thursday night against Washington at PPG Paints Arena.
Crosby reportedly suffered the concussion Friday and was held out of the Penguins’ preseason finale against Columbus on Saturday and didn’t practice with the team on Monday. Currently there’s no timetable for his return and is expected to miss the regular season opener Thursday against the Washington Capitals where of which the defending Stanley Cup Champions will have their banner-raising ceremony.
To make matters worse and to be a totally shallow fan of the sport, this latest Crosby concussion couldn’t have come at a worse time simply because the Penguin captain is playing some of the best hockey of his career. Aside from Thursday’s opener, Crosby is coming off helping Team Canada win the World Cup of Hockey in addition to his Stanley Cup Championship with Pittsburgh over the summer. To finish last season, Crosby was finalist for the Hart Trophy (League MVP) and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP.
Concussions however have had a major impact on Crosby’s career.
Crosby took blows to the head during the 2011 Winter Classic in early January and was out until November the following season. Not long after his return the Penguins captain suffered another concussion on December 5th and was out until the following March. After this a broken jaw ended Crosby’s 2013 lockout shortened year.
Because of these series of concussions Crosby was limited to just 69 games over two seasons. Currently the team isn’t commenting on how this latest concussion occurred or how serious it is however at the point you really have to start questioning not only his short-term status but the long-term as well.