Penguins’ Sidney Crosby to return vs. Hurricanes

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will return from an 11-game absence against the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday in Raleigh, N.C.

Crosby, 38, was expected to be sidelined at least four weeks after sustaining a lower-body injury during Canada's 4-3 overtime win against Czechia in the quarterfinals at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Feb. 18. Wednesday marks exactly four weeks from that day.

"Excited to get back in it," Crosby said after the morning skate on Wednesday. "Just watching these guys and being on the trip, obviously getting closer. ... Just happy to finally be back in there."

The Penguins posted a 5-3-3 record without Crosby, who leads the team in goals (27) and points (59).

Crosby has 1,746 career points (652 goals, 1,094 assists) in 1,408 games over 21 seasons with Pittsburgh. He is a three-time Stanley Cup champion and led Canada to Olympic gold at Vancouver in 2010 and Sochi in 2014 before settling for silver in Italy.