Sidney Crosby injury: Could Jacob Trouba face punishment?

In Game 5 of their first round series, Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby left in the second period against the New York Rangers after taking a hit from Jacob Trouba.

The Pittsburgh Penguins looked to close out their first-round Stanley Cup Playoffs series against the rival New York Rangers with a victory in Game 5 on Wednesday, May 11. They certainly looked to be on pace for that, as they held a 2-0 lead in the second period. That lead disappeared after three consecutive Rangers goals, but the Penguins did manage to tie it 3-3 to end the period.

But the big story on the Penguins side is the fact that star Sidney Crosby left with over six minutes remaining in the second period and never returned to the bench area to start the third. The reason is believed to be when Crosby took a hit from Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba.

Sidney Crosby injured in Game 5 vs. Rangers

For Penguins fans wondering if Trouba could face punishment for the hit, that is unknown. One thing that is known is that Trouba was not penalized for the play.

Even after the hit, Crosby did return to the ice for two more shifts. After that, he never returned.

Penguins: Mike Sullivan makes opinion of Jacob Trouba hit crystal clear

When speaking to the media after the game, Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan said that Crosby was being evaluated for an upper body injury. He was then asked his thoughts on the hit by Trouba onto Crosby. Sullivan asked the reporter if they saw the hit, then said “you probably have the same opinion I do.”

The Rangers did pick up the 5-3 win to bring the series back to Pittsburgh. Crosby’s status will be worth monitoring, because if he were to miss time due to injury, that could significantly hurt Pittsburgh’s chances of advancing to the second round.

Through five games, Crosby recorded two goals and seven assists.

Game 6 will take place on Friday, May 13, set to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET.