Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby has been diagnosed with a concussion and is out for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinal against Washington.
Crosby left in the first period of Monday night's 3-2 overtime loss to Washington after getting cross-checked in the head by Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen.
Niskanen received a five-minute major and a game misconduct. The league decided against holding a hearing to determine whether the hit should be subject to review from the NHL's Department of Player Safety. After the game Niskanen said the hit was not intentional.
Crosby has dealt with multiple concussions during his career, including one against Washington in the 2011 Winter Classic that he needed nearly two years to fully recover from. The two-time MVP also missed the first couple weeks of this season with a concussion but returned to lead the NHL in goals.
Crosby was skating by Washington goaltender Braden Holtby when he turned awkwardly after being stick-checked by Alex Ovechkin. He ended up facing Niskanen as his body was going toward the ice and took Niskanen's stick across the side of the head. Crosby was on the ice in obvious pain for several minutes before exiting slowly under his own power.
The Penguins lead the series 2-1. Game 4 is Wednesday night.
Crosby entered the Game 3 tied for second in scoring for Pittsburgh with 11 points, including two goals in Pittsburgh's Game 1 victory over Washington.
