Crosby on Niskanen's cross-check: 'It's not one that happens often'

Sidney Crosby spoke to the media for the first time Friday following the cross-check from Matt Niskanen that resulted in a concussion.

"It's hard to say," Crosby told TSN's Mark Masters. "I'm not going to sit here and guess, but it's not one that happens often."

By "guess," Crosby is likely referring to the widespread debate as to whether Niskanen intentionally cross-checked Crosby in the face during Game 3, or whether it was an accident. Unsurprisingly, Crosby didn't offer his opinion.

Alex Ovechkin's slash, which happened seconds before Niskanen's cross-check, has also been a topic of discussion. Crosby was fairly forgiving of his rival.

"The slash, he's trying to prevent a goal," Crosby told Masters. "That's a pretty common play for the most part."

Crosby's Penguins will have a chance to eliminate the Capitals in Game 5 on Saturday in Washington, though No. 87's status remains up in the air after missing Wednesday's Game 4.

Copyright (C) 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.