Crosby exits Game 5 loss to Rangers in 2nd period

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby left Wednesday's Game 5 against the New York Rangers in the second period and didn't return.

Specifics on Crosby's potential injury aren't confirmed at this point. However, he only played one shift after this collision with Rangers blue-liner Jacob Trouba.

The suspected hit that's kept Sidney Crosby out of the game since he left the 2nd period with 5:45 remaining. pic.twitter.com/gHUl7t0Xx0

- Tim and Friends (@timandfriends) May 12, 2022

Pittsburgh head coach Mike Sullivan said Crosby is still being evaluated after the game. The veteran bench boss wasn't a fan of the hit.

"Did you see it? You probably have the same opinion I do," Sullivan said, per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

The Penguins held a 2-0 lead when Crosby went down but the Rangers erupted for three goals shortly after and ultimately took home a 5-3 victory to force Game 6.

"We have plenty of leaders on this team that do a lot," Crosby's linemate Jake Guentzel said. "We never want to see a player like that leave, but we have to find a way ... He's the best player in the world. That's a lot of minutes other guys have to take up. Next man up."

Crosby has an extensive history of head injuries throughout his 17-year career. He was limited to 69 games during the regular season due to separate ailments but still managed 84 points.

The 34-year-old entered Game 5 scorching hot with nine points in the playoffs.

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