SIDNEY CROSBY is ready to roll again.

The Pittsburgh Penguins captain will make his long-awaited return on Wednesday night against the Carolina Hurricanes, almost a month after a sickening injury scare at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

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Sidney Crosby has battled his way back to full fitness after almost a month outCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Canada’s Sidney Crosby (87) picked up the injury during Canada’s Olympic quarter-final clash against CzechiaCredit: AP

Crosby said after stepping back onto the ice with teammates: “Excited to get back in it.”

The 38-year-old hasn’t featured since his right leg buckled in a nasty collision with Radko Gudas during Canada’s Olympic quarter-final clash.

He was immediately shut down and placed on injured reserve when the NHL season resumed, leaving Penguins fans fearing the worst.

But Pittsburgh have kept their season alive in his absence.

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The surprise package of the campaign have gone 5-3-3 without their talisman and sit second in the Metropolitan Division as they chase a first playoff return since 2022.

Still, watching from the sidelines wasn’t easy for Crosby.

He admitted: “It’s never easy watching. But you appreciate how hard the guys compete every night.”

Before his injury, Crosby was in vintage form, racking up 27 goals and 32 assists in 56 games.

He was in devastating form before the injuryCredit: EPA

He’s now on track to extend his incredible NHL record of consecutive seasons averaging at least a point per game.

His comeback couldn’t come at a bigger moment.

The Penguins face a brutal run-in, including a showdown with division leaders Carolina, as the playoff race heats up.

Head coach Dan Muse praised Crosby’s influence even while sidelined, crediting his leadership for keeping the team on track.

And the captain returns just as Evgeni Malkin hit top form.

The Russian star bagged a brace against Colorado after serving a five-game ban for slashing Rasmus Dahlin.

Crosby said: “To see him come in like that after missing five games was huge. He set the bar high.”

Now, with their leader back, the Penguins’ playoff push has just been given a massive boost.