Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby schedules wrist surgery

May 5, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) is hit by New York Rangers right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) during the second period of game three of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. The Penguins defeated the Rangers 2-0 and now lead the series 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) is hit by New York Rangers right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) during the second period of game three of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. The Penguins defeated the Rangers 2-0 and now lead the series 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sidney Crosby was the NHL’s regular season scoring champion with 104 points, but only managed nine points (one goal, eight assists) in playoff games this year, leaving him at third on the team. He seems retained in one way or another, and perhaps it was his wrist. He is scheduled for arthroscopic surgery to his right wrist within the next few days.

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As per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the injury impeded his performance during the playoffs. However, the timing of the injury is unknown – especially because Crosby either didn’t know he was injured or he pretended everything was fine. It was probably the latter. It was the playoffs, and he wasn’t not going to miss ice time, so it’s better not to reveal your vulnerabilities to an opponent.

An individual close to Crosby, who requested anonymity, said the surgical procedure “is not major, but you can’t play the same way” with the kind of injury Crosby had.

Crosby was not available for comment, however the Post-Gazette’s source explained that the Penguins star should not have any problem playing next season. He chose to have surgery because physical therapy failed to fix the injury.

As the injury is minor, it may keep Penguins fans somewhat optimistic about his outlook for next season, as his 2014 playoff scoring maladies were not mental. The NHL MVP should return to his league-best form. And if – or perhaps when – the Penguins make the playoffs next year, Crosby should look his best and the Pens could be on their way back to another Stanley Cup.