That Sidney Crosby has 23 points and has been part of just three regulation losses in the 13 games he’s played since a two-month injury layoff is not surprising to Mike Sullivan.
Neither is that Crosby has 15 points while leading the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 6-1-1 record over the past eight games.
“I think he’s getting better with each game that he’s played,” Sullivan said after practice Wednesday, a day following a four-point night for Crosby in a 5-2 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs. “His impact on the games, I think, speaks for itself.
Since returning from injury, Sidney Crosby has picked up 22 points (7G-15A) in 13 games. ? pic.twitter.com/PGRIMLM3Dw
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 19, 2020
“He’s just such an impactful player. We a very different hockey team when he’s in our lineup. He’s been terrific. I think he’s getting better every game. I think his game is gaining more traction, and I think he loves playing this time of year.”
Crosby sat out 30 games from early November through mid-January because of surgery related to his core muscles. While the Penguins took off without him, they have caught the Washington Capitals for first place in the Metropolitan Division since his return.
