Things get worse for Sidney Crosby upon return to Pittsburgh

Sidney Crosby’s Olympic disappointment has now carried over into the NHL season. The Pittsburgh Penguins announced that the 38-year-old forward has been placed on Injured Reserve with a lower-body injury, the same issue that kept him out of Canada’s semifinal and gold medal games at the Milano Cortina Olympics. He is expected to miss a minimum of four weeks of action.

Crosby was injured during Canada’s quarterfinal matchup against Czechia and was unable to suit up for the semifinal against Finland or the gold medal showdown against the United States. His absence was clearly felt in Sunday’s loss.

Now, just days later, things have taken another turn.

Crosby is in the midst of his 21st NHL season and continues to produce at an elite level, leading the Penguins with 59 points (27 goals, 32 assists) in just 56 games. Pittsburgh currently sits at 29-15-12 with 70 points, second in the Metropolitan Division, and is on pace to clinch its first playoff berth in four years.

Some of Pittsburgh’s opponents over the next four weeks include the Colorado Avalanche twice, the Vegas Golden Knights twice and the Carolina Hurricanes three times. Each of those teams leads its respective division.

But Crosby landing on IR changes the equation.

There’s no immediate indication this is a season-ending concern, and there’s no reason for full-scale panic just yet. Still, the timing couldn’t be worse. With 26 games remaining and the trade deadline just over a week away, Pittsburgh suddenly has to evaluate its position carefully.

Do they stay aggressive and add to solidify a playoff push? Do they hedge, unsure how long their captain might be sidelined? Do they dare to tank?

For a team that has clawed its way back into contention, Crosby’s health isn’t just important, it’s everything. And with the deadline looming, the Penguins’ next move could define their season.