NHL : Crosby sidelined for a month, Penguins face tough challenge ahead

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is placed on injured reserve, sidelined for at least four weeks. The team confirms this move following Crosby’s lower-body injury sustained during the Olympics. The injury occurred on February 22 in Canada’s quarterfinal match against Czechia when Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas fell onto him. Crosby exited that game and missed the semifinal against Finland, opting not to play in the potential gold medal match against the United States, which Canada lost 2-1 in overtime. Crosby leads the Penguins with 27 goals and 59 points, 14 points ahead of Evgeni Malkin, who has missed 15 games this season. The Penguins, sitting at 29-15-12, aim for a playoff spot amid a competitive Eastern Conference. They return to action Thursday against the New Jersey Devils.