Sidney Crosby will re-enter the Pittsburgh Penguins’ lineup Wednesday evening against the Carolina Hurricanes after missing 11 games because of injury.
Crosby partook in the Penguins’ morning skate at the Lenovo Center ahead of their game at Carolina and, following the session, Crosby indicated he will return to action. Coach Dan Muse confirmed the decision.
Sidney Crosby spoke with the media following morning skate in Carolina ????
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 18, 2026
"Just happy to finally be back in there." pic.twitter.com/pyCFsObMmm
The 38-year-old Crosby, whose last NHL game was Feb. 5 ahead of the Olympic break, is expected to resume his usual spot as the Penguins’ first-line center, per reporting from Wednesday’s morning skate.
“Excited to get back in it,” Crosby told reporters via audio provided by the Penguins. “Just watching these guys, being on the (road) trip, obviously getting closer (to returning) — it’s been close. So, just happy to finally be back in there.”
Placed on injured reserve by the Penguins on Feb. 25, Crosby is expected to be activated before puck drop vs. the Hurricanes on Wednesday evening.
Crosby suffered a right knee injury while skating for Team Canada on Feb. 18 in an Olympics quarterfinals game vs. Czechia after being hit by defenseman Radko Gudas.
The Canadian captain was unable to suit up for his nation’s semifinals win over Finland, nor did he play in the gold-medal loss to the United States on Feb. 22.
In Crosby’s absence, part of which coincided with a five-game suspension served by Evgeni Malkin from March 7-14, the Penguins went 5-3-3.
“Really well,” Crosby said of the Penguins’ performance without him. “It’s never easy watching, but I think you gain even more appreciation when you’re (out) and you just see on a nightly basis the way we compete, the way we work, coming back in games — a lot of different things. Just want to jump in there and contribute as best I can.”
Heading into Wednesday’s contest at Carolina, the Penguins (34-18-15, 83 points) are in playoff position as the second-place team within the Metropolitan Division.
Crosby, despite his 11-game absence, remains the Penguins’ leader in goals (27), assists (32) and points (59) through 56 games played.
“It’s great to have him back,” Muse said. “It’s the work he’s put in to be back — Sid, even when he’s out of the lineup, he’s making a major impact on the group, just with his leadership and being around the group. I can’t speak enough about how much of an impact he makes on an everyday basis. … To have him back, excited for him and excited for us.”
