Sidney Crosby returned to the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup in style on Wednesday, scoring his 28th goal of the season in the second period against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Crosby collected a loose puck in front of the net and beat goaltender Frederik Andersen with a backhand.
Rickard Rakell and Erik Karlsson picked up assists on the Crosby marker.
Crosby also added an assist in the third period on a marker by Karlsson.
The Penguins captain played in his first game since suffering a lower-body injury while representing Canada at the Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026 in February.
The injury occurred in the second period of Canada’s 4-3 overtime victory over Czechia in the quarter-finals on Feb. 18, with Crosby gingerly leaving the ice after sustaining a hit from Radko Gudas.
The 38-year-old would miss both the semifinals and final as Canada lost the gold-medal game to USA.
The Penguins put Crosby on IR after he returned to the team from the Olympics and he missed 11 games before being activated to face the Hurricanes.
Despite missing time, Crosby leads the Penguins in both goals (28) and points (61).
The Penguins entered play on Wednesday second in the Metropolitan Division, tied with the New York Islanders with 83 points. Both teams trail the Hurricanes, who pace the division with 90 points.
Crosby is a two-time Hart Trophy, two-time Art Ross Trophy and two-time Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner.
