WASHINGTON (AP) Sidney Crosby returned to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ lineup for Game 5 of their NHL playoff series against the Washington Capitals after missing the previous game with a concussion.
Crosby is in the lineup five days after being concussed on a cross-check to the head by Matt Niskanen in Game 3. Coach Mike Sullivan said Saturday morning that Crosby had passed his concussion test and was considered a game-time decision.
Conor Sheary was also back after missing Game 4 with a concussion that came as a result of a collision with teammate Patric Hornqvist on Monday.
Pittsburgh leads the second-round series 3-1 and can eliminate Washington with a victory Saturday night. Sullivan said being up in the series didn’t factor into the decision for Crosby or Sheary being available.
Crosby has a history of concussions and missed the first six games this season. He has two goals and two assists in parts of three games in this series.
His 11 points on four goals and seven assists are tied for fifth among all players in the NHL playoffs, and he led the NHL with 44 goals during the regular season.
The NHL’s concussion protocol does not stipulate a certain amount of days a player must sit out after being diagnosed.
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