Penguins' Sidney Crosby put on IR, to miss at least 4 weeks

"It's pretty clear given the situation whether you can either play or not play. And just didn't feel like I was able to. Even to get to the point where I had to make the decision, I didn't think I'd be in that position after the Czech game. I think the medical staff, everybody was incredible."

"Crosby's playing status had been in question since he sustained a lower-body injury while playing for the Canadian men's national team at the Olympics. He was injured Feb. 22 in Canada's quarterfinal win against Czechia. The 38-year-old was trying to brace for a hit from Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas only for the play to end with Crosby's right leg awkwardly bending with Gudas falling on him."

"Losing their top-line center for at least four weeks is expected to play a role in the Penguins' pursuit for a playoff spot. Crosby entered the Olympic break with 27 goals and 59 points. He was projected to finish with 86 points over what was initially slated to be an 82-game schedule."

Sidney Crosby, the 38-year-old captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, has been placed on injured reserve after sustaining a lower-body injury during Canada's Olympic quarterfinal game against Czechia on February 22. The injury occurred when Crosby attempted to brace for a hit from Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas, resulting in his right leg bending awkwardly. Crosby missed Canada's semifinal victory against Finland and the gold medal game loss to the United States. He will be sidelined for at least four weeks, coinciding with the NHL's return from Olympic break. Crosby leads the Penguins in multiple offensive categories with 27 goals and 59 points, significantly outpacing teammate Evgeni Malkin. His absence is expected to substantially impact Pittsburgh's playoff positioning.

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