Fansided

Sidney Crosby injury update: Pens star diagnosed with concussion

By Dave Stevenson

Jan 6, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) reacts to a penalty called during the second period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 6, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) reacts to a penalty called during the second period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby is out with a concussion. 

Pittsburgh Penguins star center Sidney Crosby is no stranger to concussions. Concussions nearly ended his career back in 2011, but he has bounced back strong. The Penguins have announced Crosby has been diagnosed with a concussion after missing Saturday’s preseason game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

"Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has been diagnosed with a concussion, it was announced by Executive Vice President and General Manager Jim Rutherford.Crosby sat out Saturday’s preseason game vs. Columbus because he was not feeling well, and missed practice today to undergo concussion testing."

For Crosby, this is a legitimate concern. He has an obvious history of concussions, so this shouldn’t be taken lightly. Without Crosby, the Penguins are a significantly worse team. They have been able to survive in recent years without Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. However, they likely cannot survive long-term without Crosby.

Crosby is coming off one of the best years of his career. After a very slow start to the season, he bounced back to finish the season with 36 goals and 85 points. Crosby also won his first Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Over his career, Crosby has 938 points in 707 regular season games. He has 137 points in 124 postseason games, leading the Penguins to two Stanley Cups.

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The Penguins have not given a timetable for Crosby’s return. Keep in mind he has suffered no fewer than two concussions previously in his career. Crosby has won two Hart Trophies and three Ted Lindsay Awards during his stellar career. Without Crosby, expect Evgeni Malkin to take over as the first line center for the Penguins. Nick Bonino will likely take over for Malkin in his second line role, with Matt Cullen filling in for Bonino on the third line.

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