When Sidney Crosby went on the shelf in early January 2011, few expected him to need until late November to return. The Pittsburgh Penguins star was worth the wait, though, as he made a bombastic return – and then did it again after another setback.
Let’s reminisce about his triumphant comeback(s) from concussions.
Echoing Mario
Crosby’s four-point reemergence against the New York Islanders on Nov. 21 reminded many of Mario Lemieux’s triumphant comeback in 2000.
One of Crosby’s four points came on his first shot – and second shift – against the Isles:
Crosby indeed left Pierre McGuire and Jeremy Roenick flabbergasted after that memorable night:
Overall, Crosby produced two goals and 10 assists in an eight-game span that ended with a Dec. 5 game against the Boston Bruins when his concussion issues resurfaced after a collision with David Krejci. Crosby eventually returned to the injured reserve on Dec. 12.
Another comeback
Kris Letang accompanied Crosby off the injured list on March 15 as the Penguins beat the New York Rangers 5-2. Amazingly, that victory pushed Pittsburgh’s streak to 10 straight wins.
For a while, Crosby was piling up far more assists than goals, but that didn’t stop him from becoming the seventh-youngest player to hit the 600-point mark on March 30.
Sid the Kid’s second regular season set of games was truly impressive; he scored six goals and 19 assists in 25 games to finish the season. Overall, he had eight goals and 29 assists for 37 points in just 22 regular season games.
A wild (and ugly) postseason
Crosby’s production in a 4-2 series loss to the Philadelphia Flyers was just fine, particularly on paper. He had eight points – all in the first four contests.
Still, to many, that series was all about Claude Giroux getting the upper hand, with this hit saying the most:
Those matches often brought out the dark side of Crosby and the Penguins. Here’s some video evidence:
(There’s also the claim that Crosby’s slashes forced Giroux to undergo surgery. Crosby sort of denied that.)
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Overall, Crosby has shown that he can return with aplomb. Just imagine how he’ll react to coming back from a lockout, not injuries …
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It’s the first NHL game on NBCSN to surpass 4 million viewers.
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They beat the Syracuse Crunch in six games.
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“It’s going to be a strong, solid franchise just like Winnipeg is now.”
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Things are getting dramatic in Philadelphia.
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His annual cap hit is a hefty $7,727,273.
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Coburn might be heading the other way.
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He also loves 2013 NHL Draft prospect Darnell Nurse.
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The coach already had him picked as Plan B if Marian Hossa couldn’t play.
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Blackhawks coach knows his team has to improve in those areas.
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AP
Stemming from his arrest in 2011.
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“I’ve got a nice little scratch mark on my forehead from the claw marks.”
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23-year-old defenseman had six goals in the playoffs.
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26-year-old made his NHL debut last season.
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Pegula ‘concerned’ about Miller and Vanek, wants to keep them in Buffalo
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But will they stay?
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Could an NHL team one day call it home?
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Sharks, Couture reportedly agree to five-year, $30 million extension
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As per TSN’s Bob McKenzie.
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He’s still “day-to-day” with his injury.
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He’s been given permission to seek employment elsewhere.
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“We don’t care about calling certain guys superstars on our team,” said the coach.
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Hey, he did take two weeks off.
