The Pittsburgh Penguins picked up a 4-3 shootout win over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, earning another key victory and two much-needed points in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Pittsburgh improved to 36-20-16 and 88 points on the season with 11 games remaining, maintaining its second-place position in the Metropolitan Division.
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The win, however, came with a big loss.
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby left the game late in the first period after his legs were pinned against the boards. He briefly returned for one shift in the second period before exiting for good.
The Penguins were already without Evgeni Malkin, and Crosby’s departure added to the challenge. Ultimately, Pittsburgh carried the game into overtime and won it in a shootout.
Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby skates before the start of a game.James Guillory-Imagn Images
(James Guillory-Imagn Images)
After the game, head coach Dan Muse provided the first update on Crosby’s injury but did not offer many specifics.
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“Still have to get some updates,” Muse said. “I’ve got to talk to the staff some more. Lower body. But I don’t have any other update.”
Crosby, 38, has been one of Pittsburgh’s most consistent players this season, totaling 64 points in 61 games. Thursday marked his fifth game back from a knee injury suffered during the Olympics.
Crosby finished Thursday’s game with one shot on goal across nine shifts and 6:39 of ice time.
The Penguins are scheduled to return to action Saturday at home against the Dallas Stars at 5 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.