Crosby Leaves Game 5 After Questionable Hit by Trouba

NEW YORK — The Pittsburgh Penguins had full control of Game 5 and the New York Rangers’ elimination midway through the second period. However, New York defenseman Jacob Trouba delivered a high hit on Sidney Crosby, which knocked the Penguins captain out of the game.

Crosby left the ice with a bit more than five minutes left in the second, and New York swarmed.

UDPATE: Crosby did not return for the third period.

Without Crosby, the effect was almost immediate. The Penguins had to shuffle their lines. Initially, Jeff Carter played between Jake Guentzel and Bryan Rust, but Evgeni Malkin took the spot after a shift.

There was no penalty called, but as you will see below, there was clear intent.

Spirits raised with the opportunity, and New York scored three goals in 2:42 to erase a 2-0 deficit and replace it with a 3-2 lead.

Adam Fox, Alexis Lafreniere, and Trouba scored in succession, and the press box at Madison Square Garden swayed as New York fans shook the arena.

However, the Penguins answered the third goal quickly. Evgeni Malkin circled the Rangers net and dished to an open Jake Guentzel (7), who scored his second goal of the game.

The teams entered their rooms tied 3-3.

The Pittsburgh Penguins lead the Round One series 3-1, and a Penguins win would eliminate the New York Rangers. If New York wins, Game 6 is in Pittsburgh on Friday.

This might be the hit that injured Sidney Crosby. Jacob Trouba delivered it. #Pens pic.twitter.com/Vv9YuL4jT0

— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) May 12, 2022

Trouba on Crosby…Point of impact. pic.twitter.com/lnHqbTGVNO

— John Shannon (@JShannonhl) May 12, 2022