Sidney Crosby leaves Game 3 after taking cross-check to head (Video)
Washington Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen was ejected early in the first period of Game 3 after being given a major and game misconduct for a cross-check on Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby.
As Crosby was attempting a scoring chance right in front of Braden Holtby, he took Alex Ovechkin’s stick to the back of his head, then as he lost his balance and was lowering to the ice, Niskanen caught hit him in the side of the head.
The immediate thought is a possible concussion here, an issue that’s been well-documented over Crosby’s NHL career and caused him to miss the start of the regular season. Also, the way his left leg bends doesn’t look good either.
Crosby didn’t return to the game as the Capitals won 3-2 in overtime. Afterward, Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan did not have an update.
Sullivan: No update on Crosby. He'll be evaluated overnight. Declines to comment on hit.
— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) May 2, 2017
“It was an unfortunate play. I certainly didn’t mean to injure him,” said Niskanen.
UPDATE:
No disciplinary hearing for Matt Niskanen for hit on Sidney Crosby.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) May 2, 2017
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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy
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