PITTSBURGH: Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby’s night ended in agony during a 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Islanders at PPG Paints Arena. Midway through the second period, Crosby crumpled after a thunderous check from Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson, clutching his left leg. Medics stretchered him off, Penguins confirming a lower-body injury—suspected MCL sprain—pending MRI Friday.
Crosby had tallied an assist earlier, his 1,500th career point milestone. The hit, shoulder-to-boards, sparked benches-clearing tension. Crosby lay motionless for minutes, alarming 18,000 fans who chanted his name. “Sid’s our heart,” said teammate Evgeni Malkin, scoring the tying goal late. Penguins GM Kyle Dubas: “Serious but stable; week-to-week.”
NHL Department of Player Safety reviews footage, Dobson facing suspension risk. Crosby, 38, leads Penguins with 82 points in 68 games; his absence threatens wild-card hopes, two points back. Coach Mike Sullivan: “We rally for him.”
Islanders’ Mathew Barzal netted OT winner. Penguins host Rangers next; lineup tweaks loom with Rakell day-to-day. Crosby’s resilience legendary—recalling 2012 jaw fractures—fans flood socials with support.
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