Sidney Crosby repeatedly punched P.K. Subban's face into the ice in Game 5

By Hemal Jhaveri / For The Win / USA Today | June 8, 2017 9:22 pm

P.K. Subban spent all of Game 3 and Game 4 in Nashville getting under Sidney Crosby’s skin, needling him on and off the ice. In Game 5, Crosby fired back and it went beyond gamesmanship after the final whistle.

At the tail end of the first period, and with the Penguins leading 2-0, Crosby and Subban clashed near the boards behind the net, with Crosby holding Subban down and repeatedly pushing his head into the ice.

The referees were occupied with action on the other end of the ice and didn’t seem to notice or ignored Crosby keeping Subban down for so long.

Sidney Crosby shoving P.K. Subban's head into the ice over and over. Off-setting minors. #Preds pic.twitter.com/B7mUbDat1P

— Mark Harris (@TweetsByHarris) June 9, 2017 >

Players often see what they can get away with from the refs, but this is an egregious missed call, which should have been a five-minute major for Crosby at minimum. Instead, Crosby and Subban got matching two-minute minors, because Subban, when he was finally was able to get up, shoved Crosby.

This play certainly isn’t going to help Crosby’s reputation as a dirty player who is coddled by the league, nor should it.

Speaking to the media after the Penguins 6-0 win, Crosby said Subban was holding his legs.

“He was doing some UFC move on my foot. So I don’t know what he was trying to do. But I was trying to get out of there.”

Subban dismissed the play as “just hockey,” but his coach Peter Laviolette was less willing to overlook the incident.

“I don’t understand it,” he said. “I really don’t understand the call. I saw my guy get his head cross-checked into the ice 10 times. I don’t even know what he did, P.K. I’m not sure. I disagree with the call.”

Penguins star Sidney Crosby has concussion, out for Game 4

By WILL GRAVES
AP Sports Writer

PITTSBURGH (AP) – Sidney Crosby walked around the Pittsburgh Penguins practice facility on Tuesday, trying to encourage his teammates as they prepared to go forward in their increasingly caustic playoff series against Washington without their captain and the game's most indispensable player.

The Pittsburgh star is out for Wednesday's Game 4 while recovering from yet another concussion, this one coming from being cross-checked in the head by Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen in the first period of Washington's 3-2 overtime victory on Monday night.

Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said Crosby will be evaluated on a daily basis going forward. There is no timetable for the two-time MVP's return.

"He's very positive and we're very optimistic and we're hopeful that we'll get him back in a timely fashion," Sullivan said.

The defending Stanley Cup champions lead the series 2-1, an advantage they built thanks in large part to Crosby. He scored twice in Game 1 and dished out a pair of assists in a blowout victory in Game 2 to give Pittsburgh control in a meeting of the longtime rivals who finished the regular season with the two best records in the NHL.

All that momentum vanished 5:24 into the first period Monday when Crosby was knocked off balance by Washington's Alex Ovechkin as Crosby skated in front of the Capitals' crease.

Niskanen, who played with Crosby for four years in Pittsburgh before signing with Washington in 2014, turned toward Crosby. Niskanen's stick caught Crosby flush across the right side of the head and the defenseman kept his hands on Crosby as the star fell to the ice before skating away. Crosby was on the ice for several minutes before slowly making his way to the dressing room under his own power. Niskanen received a five-minute major and a game misconduct.

The league decided against holding a hearing to determine whether the hit should be subject to review from the NHL's Department of Player Safety. Niskanen said following the game the hit was not intentional, with coach Barry Trotz calling it "a hockey play."

The Penguins opted against trying to litigate the fallout, focusing instead on Crosby's well-being.

"My thoughts don't really matter," said Pittsburgh goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury , teammates with Crosby for over a decade. "It doesn't change anything. Doesn't matter what I say. I really hope that Sid feels good."

Crosby has dealt with multiple concussions during his career, including one against Washington in the 2011 Winter Classic that he needed nearly two years to fully recover from. He missed the first couple weeks of this season with a concussion but returned to lead the NHL in goals, part of a remarkable run that saw him lead the Penguins to the franchise's fourth Stanley Cup last summer while earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

The Penguins have become adept at surviving the loss of bold-faced names this season. Pittsburgh posted the second-best record in franchise history with defenseman Kris Letang missing half the season various injuries, center Evgeni Malkin sitting 20 games with various issues and goaltender Matt Murray going out before Game 1 of Pittsburgh's first-round series against Columbus after tweaking a lower-body injury.

"If Sid is not playing ... it's a loss for us," Penguins forward Patric Hornqvist said. "We need other guys to step up and we've been doing that all year."

The stakes, however, are high. Washington controlled Game 3 before the Penguins scored twice in the final 2 minutes to force overtime. The Capitals survived when Kevin Shattenkirk flipped a shot from the point by Fleury 3:13 into overtime.

Washington expects Pittsburgh to ramp up the physical play in Game 4 even as Fleury warned about the dangers of trying to retaliate. The Capitals insist they'll be ready.

"It should be nasty," Washington forward Jay Beagle said. "It's the playoffs. That's the way we like to play. That's the way they like to play. Hard hits. Going after each other."

Pittsburgh forward Conor Sheary is also dealing with a concussion after colliding with teammate Patric Hornqvist in the second period Monday night. Sheary's status for Game 4 was uncertain.

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Penguins star Crosby leaves following hit to head

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby left Game 3 of his team's playoff series against Washington after taking a hit to the head from Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen.

The Penguins were in Washington's end of the ice when Niskanen crosschecked Crosby across the face with his stick. Crosby was skating by Washington goaltender Braden Holtby when he turned and faced Niskanen.

Niskanen raised his stick and hit Crosby flush. Crosby was on the ice in obvious pain for several minutes before exiting slowly under his own power.

Niskanen was given a five-minute major penalty and a 10-minute game misconduct.

Crosby entered the game tied for second in scoring for Pittsburgh with 11 points, including two goals in Pittsburgh's Game 1 victory over Washington.

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More AP NHL: apnews.com/tag/NHLhockey

Pageau, Guentzel, Crosby named our 'Three Stars of the Night'

NEW YORK – UNB! Network NHL/hockey blog "The Neutral Zone" has named Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Jake Gentzel, and Sidney Crosby as their 'Three Stars of the Night' for all NHL Playoff games that took place on April 29, 2017.

FIRST STAR - JEAN-GABRIEL PAGEAU, F, OTTAWA SENATORS

Pageau scored his 4th goal of the game 2:54 into the second overtime to give the Senators a 2-0 series lead over the Rangers. Pageau is 2nd player in NHL history to score 4 goals in playoff game, w/ OT winner (also: Joffrey Lupul, 2006 CSF).

SECOND STAR - JAKE GUENTZEL, F, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Guentzel (7 G in 7 GP) surpassed Bryan Rust (6 G in 23 GP in 2016) for most goals by a Penguins rookie in single postseason. Guentzel and Michel Briere (1970) are the only Penguins rookies in club history to score three game-winning goals in the playoffs. Guentzel is 3rd player since 1943-44 to score 7+ goals in first 7 playoff games, joining Maurice Richard (10) & Dino Ceccarelli (7).

THIRD STAR - SIDNEY CROSBY, F, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Crosby (0-2—2) tallied his 52nd career multi-point playoff game to pass Mario Lemieux for most in Penguins history.

Karlsson, Crosby, Bonino named our 'Three Stars of the Night'

NEW YORK -- UNB! Network NHL/hockey blog "The Neutral Zone" has named Erik Karlsson, Sidney Crosby, and Nick Bonino as their 'Three Stars of the Night' for all NHL playoff games taking place on April 27, 2017.

FIRST STAR - ERIK KARLSSON, D, OTTAWA SENATORS

Karlsson leads all skaters with 30:11 TOI/GP and all defensemen with 1-6—7 in the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

SECOND STAR - SIDNEY CROSBY, F, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Crosby registered his 51st career multi-point playoff game to pass Jaromir Jagr (50) for most among active NHL players.

THIRD STAR - NICK BONINO, F, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Bonino scored the go-ahead goal at 12:36 of the third period to guide the Penguins to a 1-0 series lead. Bonino tallied his sixth career game-winning goal in the playoffs and second vs. Washington (Game 6 of 2016 SR).

Radulov, McDavid/Kassian, Crosby named our 'Three Stars of the Night'

NEW YORK -- UNB! Network NHL/hockey blog "The Neutral Zone" has named Alexander Radulov, the duo of Connor McDavid and Zack Kassian, and Sidney Crosby as their "Three Stars of the Night" for all NHL playoff games that took place on April 14, 2017.

FIRST STAR - ALEXANDER RADULOV, F, MONTREAL CANADIENS

Radulov (1-2—3) scored at 18:34 of overtime as the Canadiens evened their series at 1-1. Radulov scored his first career overtime goal in the postseason and notched his first career three-point playoff game.

SECOND STAR(S) - CONNOR McDAVID AND ZACK KASSIAN, Fs, EDMONTON OILERS

McDavid and Kassian each scored shorthanded goals as the Oilers evened their series. McDavid (20y, 91d) is youngest Oilers player to score in the postseason since M. Gelinas (19y, 319d) in Game 2 of 1990 DF.

THIRD STAR - SIDNEY CROSBY, F, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Crosby (1-2—3) posted his 11th career three-point playoff game to lead the Penguins to a 2-0 series lead.

McDavid, Crosby, Holtby earn regular-season trophies

NEW YORK -- The 2016-17 National Hockey League regular season concluded on Sunday with Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid capturing his first career Art Ross Trophy as the League's scoring champion, Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby claiming his second career Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the NHL's goal-scoring leader and Braden Holtby of the Washington Capitals winning his first career William M. Jennings Trophy as the goaltender who plays at least 25 games for the club allowing the fewest goals.

McDavid finished the season with a League-leading 100 points (and 70 assists) in 82 games, besting Crosby (44-45-89 in 75 GP) and Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (34-55-89 in 82 GP) for his first career Art Ross Trophy. McDavid registered at least one point in 59 of his 82 appearances (72.0%), highlighted by a career-high, 14-game point streak to close the season (7-18-25) - the longest by any NHL player in 2016-17 and longest by any Oilers player since 1987-88. He also posted a League-best 30 multi-point performances, including his first career hat trick Nov. 19 at DAL. At 20 years, 86 days, McDavid became the third-youngest player to win the Art Ross Trophy, behind only Crosby (19 years, 244 days in 2006-07) and Wayne Gretzky (20 years, 69 days in 1980-81). He also became the second Oilers player to claim the award and first since Gretzky won seven straight from 1980-81 through 1986-87.

Crosby scored a League-high 44 goals in 75 games to capture his second career Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy, adding to the one he shared with Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos in 2009-10. Crosby - who finished ahead of Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (40 G in 74 GP) and Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (40 G in 82 GP) for the award - recorded eight multi-goal performances, highlighted by his 10th career hat trick March 19 vs. FLA. He became the fifth multiple winner of the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy since it was first handed out in 1998-99, joining Alex Ovechkin (6), Pavel Bure (2), Jarome Iginla (2) and Stamkos (2).

Holtby saw the most action on a Capitals team that allowed a League-low 182 goals, 13 fewer than the Columbus Blue Jackets. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner claimed his first career William M. Jennings Trophy as well as the second in franchise history, following the tandem of Al Jensen and Pat Riggin in 1983-84. Holtby - who yielded two or fewer goals in 42 of his 63 appearances (66.7%) - finished the campaign tied for the League lead in wins (42), while also ranking in the top five in shutouts (1st; 9), goals-against average (2nd; 2.07) and save percentage (4th; .925). He became the third goaltender in NHL history to post three consecutive 40-win seasons, joining Martin Brodeur (2005 08) and Evgeni Nabokov (2007-10).

Crosby, Hossa, Iginla named our 'Three Stars of the Night'

NEW YORK – UNB! Network NHL/hockey blog 'The Neutral Zone' has named Sidney Crosby, Marian Hossa, and Jarome Iginla their 'Theee Stars of the Night' for the National Hockey League games taking place on March 31, 2017.

FIRST STAR - SIDNEY CROSBY, F, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Crosby registered 1-1—2 and scored in the shootout to help the Penguins (47-19-11, 105 points) snap a four-game slide (0-2-2).

SECOND STAR - MARIAN HOSSA, D, CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

Hossa scored the 525th goal of his NHL career to pass Bryan Trottier (524) for 34th on the all-time list.

THIRD STAR - JAROME IGINLA, F, LOS ANGELES KINGS

Iginla scored the 625th goal of his NHL career to tie Joe Sakic for 15th on the all-time list. 

News & Notes: Sidney Crosby helps Penguins clinch playoff berth

PENGUINS CLINCH 11TH CONSECUTIVE POSTSEASON BERTH

Sidney Crosby opened the scoring with a highlight-reel one-handed goal and Nick Bonino scored the go-ahead goal with 5:29 remaining in the third period to help the Pittsburgh Penguins defeat the Buffalo Sabres 3-1 and clinch a berth in the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs, their 11th consecutive postseason appearance and 32nd in franchise history.

* At 46-17-9 (101 points), the Penguins eclipsed the 100-point mark for the second straight season and third time in the last four seasons.

* Crosby has scored in three consecutive games (6-1-7) and leads the NHL with 41 goals in 66 games.

TUESDAY'S RESULTS
Home Team in Caps

Ottawa 3, BOSTON 2
Pittsburgh 3, BUFFALO 1
NEW JERSEY 3, NY Rangers 2 (OT)
WASHINGTON 4, Calgary 2
Detroit 2, MONTREAL 1 (OT)
Arizona 5, TAMPA BAY 3
Carolina 4, FLORIDA 3
WINNIPEG 3, Philadelphia 2
MINNESOTA 3, San Jose 2
Vancouver 5, CHICAGO 4 (OT)
St. Louis 4, COLORADO 2

HOLTBY JOINS ELITE COMPANY IN CAPITALS VICTORY

Braden Holtby made 29 saves while Alex Ovechkin (1-2-3) and Nick Backstrom (0-3-3) each had three points to help the League-leading Washington Capitals (47-17-8, 102 points) extend their point streak to four games (3-0-1).

* Holtby played in his 300th regular-season NHL game and improved to 186-71-31 with a 2.31 goals-against average, .922 save percentage and 31 shutouts. His 186 wins are the second-most by an NHL goaltender through his first 300 games, according to the Elias Sports Bureau:

Most wins through first 300 games, NHL history

193 - Ken Dryden

186 - Braden Holtby

177 - Andy Moog

177 - Chris Osgood

* Backstrom has seven assists in his past two games (0-7-7) and his 57 assists this season are tied for the League lead with Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers.

OTHER PLAYOFF HOPEFULS SECURE WINS

The Minnesota Wild (44-22-6, 94 points), Ottawa Senators (40-24-8, 88 points) and St. Louis Blues (39-28-5, 83 points) each secured wins to improve their chances of clinching a playoff berth:

* Devan Dubnyk made 21 saves to help the Wild snap a five-game slide (0-5-0) and reinforce their hold on second place in the Central Division. Dubnyk improved to 37-18-3 with a 2.17 GAA, .927 save percentage and five shutouts and matched the single-season Wild record for wins by a goaltender, set by Niklas Backstrom in 2008-09.

* Kyle Turris (2-0-2) had his second multigoal game of the season as the Senators snapped a four-game slide (0-2-2). The Senators reached the 40-win mark for the first time since 2014-15 and increased their lead to six points on the Boston Bruins (38-29-6, 82 points) for second place in the Atlantic Division.

* Patrik Berglund (2-0-2) had his fourth multigoal game of the season as the Blues moved to 8-1-0 in their past nine games, including three consecutive wins. They moved ahead of the Nashville Predators (36-25-11, 83 points) to reclaim third place in the Central Division.

LOOSE PUCKS

Anthony Mantha scored a highlight-reel goal in the final minute of overtime to guide the Detroit Red Wings to victory. … The Carolina Hurricanes overcame three one-goal deficits to extend their point streak to eight games (5-0-3). … Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele each had a goal and two assists to lead the Winnipeg Jets to their third consecutive win. … Daniel Sedin (1-1-2) scored his 15th regular-season NHL overtime goal as the Vancouver Canucks snapped a six-game losing streak (0-4-2). … Capitals forward T.J. Oshie (1-0-1) reached the 30-goal mark for the first time in his NHL career. … Victor Hedman (15-45-60) scored to become the third Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman ever to reach the 60-point mark in a season. … Arizona Coyotes forward Christian Fischer (1-0-1) has scored three goals through the first four games of his NHL career (3-0-3). … Elias Lindholm (3-6-9 in 8 GP), Jonathan Toews (3-3-6 in 5 GP) and Pavel Zacha (0-5-5 in 5 GP) each extended point streaks. … Jets defenseman Nelson Nogier made his NHL debut. … The Columbus Blue Jackets signed forwards Markus Hannikainen and Lukas Sedlak as well as defenseman Scott Harrington to two-year contract extensions. … New Jersey Devils forward John Quenneville (1-1-2) scored the first goal of his NHL career in his sixth game and assisted on Joseph Blandisi's overtime goal.

SNEAK PEEK AT WEDNESDAY'S ACTION

All Times Eastern

Toronto @ Columbus, 7 p.m., SN, TVA Sports, FS-O, NHL.TV
NY Islanders @ NY Rangers, 8 p.m., NBCSN, NHL.TV
Edmonton @ Anaheim, 10 p.m., PRIME, SNW, NHL.TV

BATTLE OF NEW YORK FEATURED ON RIVALRY NIGHT

The New York Rangers (45-24-4, 94 points) host the New York Islanders (33-26-12, 78 points) on NBCSN's Wednesday Night Rivalry. The Rangers occupy the first wild card from the Eastern Conference and look to snap a six-game slide at Madison Square Garden (0-4-2). Meanwhile, the Islanders are three points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs (33-23-15, 81 points) for the final wild card from the East.

- NHL Public Relations

Brad Marchand leads 3 Stars of the Week

NEW YORK - Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand, Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby and Calgary Flames goaltender Brian Elliott have been named the NHL's "Three Stars" for the week ending March 19.

FIRST STAR - BRAD MARCHAND, LW, BOSTON BRUINS

Marchand led the NHL with 5-4-9 in three games - all multi-point performances - to power the Bruins (38-27-6, 82 points) to a pair of victories. He registered 3-1-4, including his second career hat trick (also Dec. 23, 2011 vs. FLA) and third four-point effort of the season, in a 6-3 triumph over the Vancouver Canucks March 13. Marchand added 1-1-2 in a 5-2 victory over the Calgary Flames March 15, halting the Flames' winning streak at 10 contests. He closed the week with 1-2-3 in a 7-4 loss to the Edmonton Oilers March 16, giving him multiple points in three straight outings for the third time this season (also Jan. 24 - Feb. 1: 6-3-9 in 4 GP and Feb. 23-28: 3-4-7 in 3 GP). The 28-year-old Halifax, N.S., native ranks second in the League with 37 goals and third with 79 points through 71 games this season, including an NHL-best 27 tallies and 48 points in 2017 (32 GP).

SECOND STAR - SIDNEY CROSBY, C, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Crosby paced the League with six goals and ranked second with eight points in four starts to guide the Penguins (45-17-9, 99 points) to a 2-1-1 week. He recorded 1-1-2 in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Calgary Flames March 13. Crosby was held off the scoresheet in a 4-0 loss against the Philadelphia Flyers March 15, but bounced back with 2-1-3 in a 6-4 victory over the New Jersey Devils March 17. He capped the week with his 10th career three-goal game (and third career natural hat trick) in a 4-0 win against the Florida Panthers March 19. The 29-year-old Cole Harbour, N.S., native leads the NHL with 40 goals and 80 points in 65 games this season. Crosby's 40 goals are his second-best single-season total, behind the 51 he scored in 2009-10 en route to sharing the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy.

THIRD STAR - BRIAN ELLIOTT, G, CALGARY FLAMES

Elliott went 3-0-0 with a 1.95 goals-against average and .926 save percentage to help the Flames (41-27-4, 86 points) maintain third place in the Pacific Division. He made 32 saves - and turned aside all three attempts in the shootout - in a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins March 13. Elliott then made 24 stops in a 3-1 win against the Dallas Stars March 17 and 19 saves in a 5-2 triumph over the Los Angeles Kings March 19. In doing so, he earned his 11th consecutive victory (1.70 GAA, .942 SV%, 2 SO) to tie Mike Vernon (Jan. 17 - Feb. 27, 1989) for the longest such run by a goaltender in franchise history. The 31-year-old Newmarket, Ont., native owns a 23-13-3 record with a 2.46 goals-against average, .911 save percentage and two shutouts in 41 appearances this season, his first with the Flames.

Jagr, Elliott, Crosby named our 'Three Stars of the Night'

NEW YORK – UNB! Network NHL/hockey blog 'The Neutral Zone' has named Jarome Iginla, Gustav Nyquist, and Henrik Zetterberg as their 'Theee Stars of the Night' for the National Hockey League games taking place on March 16, 2017.

FIRST STAR - JAROMIR JAGR, F, FLORIDA PANTHERS

Jagr (104-165—269) passed Gordie Howe (113-155—268) for the most points by an NHL player after turning 40.

SECOND STAR - BRIAN ELLIOTT, G, CALGARY FLAMES

Elliott made 24 saves to extend his personal win streak to 10 games (1.67 GAA, .944 SV%, 2 SO).

THIRD STAR - SIDNEY CROSBY, F, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Crosby collected 2-1—3 to help the Penguins (44-17-9, 97 points) move back into second place in the Metropolitan Division. Crosby also registered the 640th assist of his NHL career (all with Pittsburgh) and tied Jaromir Jagr for second on the Penguins all-time list.

Crosby, Quick. Price named our 'Three Stars of the Night'

NEW YORK -- UNB! Network NHL/hockey blog 'The Neutral Zone' has named Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Quick, and Carey Price as their 'Theee Stars of the Night' for the National Hockey League games taking place on February 25, 2017.

FIRST STAR - SIDNEY CROSBY, F, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Crosby scored his NHL-leading 34th goal of the season to give the @penguins a 1-0 lead in the first period outdoors at Heinz Field. The 34th goal of the season (54 GP) gets Crosby two shy of his total from 2015-16 (80 GP).

SECOND STAR - JONATHAN QUICK, G, LOS ANGELES KINGS

Quick made 32 saves in his first start since suffering a lower-body injury on opening night to backstop the Kings to a 4-1 victory.

THIRD STAR - CAREY PRICE, G, MONTREAL CANADIENS

Price earned the 259th win of his NHL career (all w/ MTL) to pass Ken Dryden (258) for third on the @CanadiensMTL all-time list.

News & Notes: Sidney Crosby of Penguins reaches 1,000 points

CROSBY BECOMES FASTEST ACTIVE PLAYER TO REACH 1,000 POINTS

Sidney Crosby collected one goal and two assists to become the 86th NHL player with 1,000 points, capping the night with an overtime goal in the Pittsburgh Penguins' 4-3 defeat of the Winnipeg Jets. The Penguins extended their point streak to eight games (6-0-2).

* Crosby (369-633-1,002) got his 1,000th NHL point while playing in his 757th game to become the fastest active player to reach the milestone. He got there six games fewer than Jaromir Jagr (763 games), and is the 12th-fastest in League history.

* Crosby became the eighth active player with 1,000 career points and the third to hit the mark this season, following Alex Ovechkin on Jan. 11 and Henrik Sedin on Jan. 20. He also became the third player with 1,000 career points with the Penguins, joining Mario Lemieux (690-1,033-1,723) and Jagr (439-640-1,079).

* Crosby, who had at least three points for the 118th time in his career, has averaged 1.32 points per game since beginning his career in 2005-06. Four players in NHL history scored at a higher rate (min. 500 GP): Wayne Gretzky (1.92), Mario Lemieux (1.88), Mike Bossy (1.50) and Bobby Orr (1.39), according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

* Elias notes that Crosby (29 years, 193 days) became the second-youngest active player at the time of his 1,000th career point, behind Jagr (28 years, 319 days) on Dec. 30, 2000.

THURSDAY'S RESULTS

Home Team in Caps

NY ISLANDERS 4, NY Rangers 2

Ottawa 3, NEW JERSEY 0

PITTSBURGH 4, Winnipeg 3 (OT)

BUFFALO 2, Colorado 0

ST. LOUIS 4, Vancouver 3

MINNESOTA 3, Dallas 1

EDMONTON 6, Philadelphia 3

Arizona 5, LOS ANGELES 3

McDAVID PICKS UP THREE POINTS, MAINTAINS SCORING LEAD

Connor McDavid (1-2-3) had his 20th multipoint game of the season to help the Edmonton Oilers (31-19-8, 70 points) move into a tie in terms of points with the Anaheim Ducks (30-18-10, 70 points) for second place in the Pacific Division.

* With his performance, McDavid (19-47-66) maintained a two point lead on Sidney Crosby (31-33-64) in the Art Ross Trophy race. McDavid also leads the League with eight three-point games this season.

* The Oilers, who finished with the fewest points in the Western Conference in 2015-16, tied their win (31) and point (70) totals from last season in their 58th game this season.

HOT STREAKS CONTINUE

The St. Louis Blues, New York Islanders and Minnesota Wild all won to continue long stretches of success:

* Vladimir Tarasenko (1-1-2) scored his 27th goal of the season and Kevin Shattenkirk had three assists to power the Blues (31-22-5, 67 points) to their season-high sixth straight victory. The Blues are 7-1-0 under coach Mike Yeo to open a five-point lead on the Nashville Predators (27-21-8, 62 points) for third place in the Central Division.

* Andrew Ladd scored twice as the Islanders (26-20-10, 62 points) improved to 8-0-2 in their past 10 home games. Elias notes that the Islanders have points in 10 consecutive home games within a season for the first time since a 9-0-1 run from Dec. 16, 1989 - Jan. 28, 1990. They are one point behind the Toronto Maple Leafs (26-18-11, 63 points) for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the Eastern Conference.

* Erik Haula scored his third game-winning goal of the season to help the Western Conference-leading Wild (38-13-6, 82 points) improve to 8-2-1 in their past 11 games. It was the Wild's 38th victory of the season to match their total from 2015-16 (38-33-11, 87 points). They are second in the NHL standings, two points behind the Washington Capitals (39-11-6, 84 points); The Capitals, however, hold a game in hand.

CONDON, SENATORS NARROW GAP IN ATLANTIC

Mike Condon made 21 saves for his fifth shutout of the season as the Ottawa Senators (30-19-6, 66 points) moved within four points of the Montreal Canadiens (31-19-8, 70 points) for first place in the Atlantic Division (with three games in hand). Condon, who had one shutout in his first 57 NHL games, has five shutouts in 31 games since joining the Senators in November. Patrick Lalime is the only Senators goaltender to post more shutouts in a single season (seven in 2000-01, 2001-02; eight in 2002-03).

LOOSE PUCKS

Patrik Laine scored his 27th goal of the season to move into a tie with Auston Matthews for the rookie lead. … Buffalo Sabres goaltender Robin Lehner made 23 saves for his second shutout of the season. … Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson had an assist to extend his point streak to five games (0-6-6). … Kris Letang had three assists in his 600th NHL game. … Los Angeles Kings forward Adrian Kempe, the 29th pick of the 2014 NHL Draft, made his NHL debut. … Ducks forward Antoine Vermette was automatically suspended for 10 games, without pay, for violating Rule 40.3 (Physical Abuse of Officials). … Stanley Cup champion Alex Tanguay has joined NHL Network as an on-air analyst. … The Sabres held a screening of "Soul On Ice" as part of Hockey Is For Everyone month. … L.A. Galaxy player Robbie Rogers dropped the ceremonial puck as part of the Kings' You Can Play night.
 SNEAK PEEK AT FRIDAY'S ACTION
All Times Eastern
Pittsburgh @ Columbus, 7 p.m., SN, TVAS, FS-O, ROOT, NHLN, NHL.TV

Colorado @ Carolina, 7:30 p.m., FS-CR, ALT, NHL.TV

Florida @ Anaheim, 10 p.m., SN1, PRIME, FS-F, NHL.TV

- NHL Public Relations

Crosby, McDavid, Condon named our 'Three Stars of the Night'

NEW YORK -- UNB! Network NHL/hockey blog 'The Neutral Zone' has named Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Mike Condon as their 'Theee Stars of the Night' for the National Hockey League games taking place on February 16, 2017.

FIRST STAR - SIDNEY CROSBY, F, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Crosby tallied his 1,000th NHL point (757 GP), becoming the fastest active player to reach the milestone – 6 GP fewer than Jagr (763). Crosby became the 86th player to record 1,000 NHL points and the 3rd to hit the mark this season, following Alex Ovechkin and Henrik Sedin. Crosby (29 years, 193 days) became the second-youngest active player at the time of his 1,000th NHL point, behind Jagr (28 years, 319 days). Crosby (1-2—3) also scored in overtime to record his 118th career game with 3+ points as he eclipsed the 1,000-point milestone.

SECOND STAR - CONNOR McDAVID, F, EDMONTON OILERS

McDavid notched his League-leading 8th three-point game to move the Oilers within 4 points of Pacific Division lead.

THIRD STAR - MIKE CONDON, G, OTTAWA SENATORS

Condon made 21 saves to register his fifth shutout of the season, tying him with Devan Dubnyk for fourth-most in the NHL.

News & Notes: Sidney Crosby, Brent Burns pursuing milestones

MILESTONES IN SIGHT, STREAKS AT STAKE ON 11-GAME NIGHT

Several significant milestones and streaks look to be reached and extended with 22 teams in action Thursday:

* Sidney Crosby (368-630-998 in 753 GP) resumes his hunt to become the third player in Pittsburgh Penguins history -- and the 86th player in NHL history -- to earn 1,000 points when Pittsburgh (33-13-6, 72 points) visits the Colorado Avalanche (15-33-2, 32 points). Crosby (30-30-60) leads the League in goals and is tied with Connor McDavid (18-42-60) in the Art Ross Trophy race. The Penguins have earned a point in each of their past four games (3-0-1) and are one point back of the Columbus Blue Jackets (34-13-5, 73 points) for the second-most points in the Eastern Conference.

* The League-leading Washington Capitals (37-11-6, 80 points) aim for their 11th consecutive home win when they face the Detroit Red Wings (22-21-10, 54 points) at Verizon Center. The Capitals have earned shutouts in each of their past two home games and a five during their home winning streak, outscoring opponents 50-12. Washington has won more than 10 consecutive home games twice before: from Jan. 5 - March 6, 2010 (13-0-0) and Nov. 21, 2015 - Jan. 17, 2016 (12-0-0).

* Brent Burns, who leads all defensemen and ranks third in NHL scoring with 57 points (22 goals, 35 assists), looks to extend his road point streak to 15 games (10-13-23 in 14 GP) when the San Jose Sharks (33-17-4, 70 points) visit the Boston Bruins (26-23-6, 58 points), who will play their first game under coach Bruce Cassidy. Elias notes that only two defensemen in NHL history have longer such runs: Ray Bourque (Nov. 7, 1993 - Jan. 25, 1994: 7-18-25 in 16 GP) and Paul Coffey (March 6 - April 27, 1995: 8-13-21 in 15 GP).

WEDNESDAY'S RESULT

Home Team in Caps

Chicago 4, MINNESOTA 3 (OT)

TOEWS SETS FRANCHISE RECORD IN OVERTIME WIN

The Minnesota Wild tied the game with 3:03 remaining in the third period, but Jonathan Toews (1-2-3) sc=red at 3:09 of overtime and the Chicago Blackhawks (33-17-5, 71 points) won their third straight game to move within five points of the Wild (35-12-6, 76 points) for the top spot in the Western Conference.

* Toews scored his ninth NHL overtime goal and first of the season. Per Elias, he passed Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp for the most regular-season overtime goals by a Blackhawks player since the League instituted the five-minute tiebreaker in 1983-84.

* Duncan Keith (0-2-2) earned his ninth multi-point game of the season to move into sole possession of fourth place in scoring among NHL defensemen (4-34-38).

* Ryan Hartman scored for the third consecutive game and ranks sixth among rookies with 13 goals this season (13-10-23).

LOOSE PUCKS

Forward Charlie Coyle (0-1-1) played in his 284th consecutive regular-season game to surpass Antti Laaksonen for the longest such streak in Wild history . . . The Capitals welcomed Fatima Al Ali of the United Arab Emirates women's national team to practice, while the Avalanche and Bruins each held community initiatives as part of Hockey Is For Everyone month.

SNEAK PEEK AT THURSDAY'S ACTION

All Times Eastern

San Jose @ Boston, 7 p.m., SN360, SNW, TVA Sports, NESN, CSN-CA
Anaheim @ Buffalo, 7 p.m., MSG-B, PRIME
Nashville @ NY Rangers, 7 p.m., MSG, FS-TN
NY Islanders @ Philadelphia, 7 p.m., NBCSN, TCN-PH
Detroit @ Washington, 7 p.m., CSN-DC, FS-D
Vancouver @ Columbus, 7 p.m., FS-O, SNP
St. Louis @ Toronto, 7:30 p.m., SNO, FS-MW
Dallas @ Ottawa, 7:30 p.m., RDS2, TSN5, FS-SW+
Los Angeles @ Florida, 7:30 p.m., FS-F, FS-W
Pittsburgh @ Colorado, 9 p.m., ALT, ROOT
Montreal @ Arizona, 9 p.m., FS-A, SNE, RDS

- NHL Public Relations

Crosby, Rust skate at Pens practice

Penguins forward Sidney Crosby was skating on his own before the team's practice for the second straight day on Wednesdy.

During the practice, Crosby and Matt Cullen were alternating between Conor heary and Patric Hornqvist during team line rushes.

Crosby eventually changed into a yellow no-contact jersey.

Bryan Rust was also on the ice for the practice. He has been battling a finger injury since Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals. He had been initially held out of recent team practices for 'precautionary reasons.'

"He's been skating consistently here on his own for quite some time now," Sullivan told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review yesterday. "We're encouraged with his progress. The next step, obviously, will be when he joins the team."

Rust netted four goals and helped on seven more in 41 games last season for the Penguins.

Yesterday's Notebook: Crosby diagnosed with concussion

CRANBERRY, PA – Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby has been diagnosed with a concussion, general manager Jim Rutherford said Monday.

Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said Crosby sustained the concussion during practice Friday. It was his second practice with the team since helping Team Canada win the championship at the World Cup of Hockey 2016.

Gaudreau signs with Flames: Johnny Gaudreau, a restricted free agent, signed a six-year contract with the Calgary Flames on Monday. Financial terms of the contract were not released, but TSN reported an average annual value of $6.75 million, a total value of $40.5 million.

"We're thrilled," general manager Brad Treliving said. "We're thrilled to get a long-term deal done with a critical and big core piece of our team. Anybody that follows our team knows what type of talent Johnny is. Those that maybe didn't get to see him as much in Calgary I think got a pretty good taste at the World Cup of what type of talent he is.

"He's a special player and a special talent. To have him locked up for the next six years … it's a great day."

Gaudreau, 23, led the Flames in goals (30) and assists (48) last season, and was tied for sixth in the NHL with 78 points. He became a restricted free agent July 1.

Gudas suspended six games: Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Radko Gudas has been suspended for six games for interference against Boston Bruins forward Austin Czarnik during NHL Preseason Game No. 96 in Boston on Saturday, Oct. 8, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 5:47 of the third period. Gudas was assessed a minor penalty for boarding.

Gudas is considered a repeat offender under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, will forfeit $245,121.96. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

Penguins Captain Crosby Diagnosed With Concussion

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has been diagnosed with a concussion, it was announced by Executive Vice President and General Manager Jim Rutherford.

Crosby sat out Saturday's preseason game vs. Columbus because he was not feeling well, and missed practice today to undergo concussion testing.

Crosby's status will be updated when more information is available. The Penguins open the regular season Thursday night against Washington at PPG Paints Arena.

- Pittsburgh Penguins

Sidney Crosby won't say he'll play in 2018 Olympics

TORONTO -- Sidney Crosby isn't ready to back Alex Ovechkin's stance on playing in the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics just yet.

Ovechkin, Team Russia's captain at the World Cup of Hockey 2016, said Thursday that he plans to represent his country in the next Winter Olympics regardless if the NHL and NHLPA agree to participate.

"I'm going to play," Ovechkin said.

Crosby, Team Canada's captain at the World Cup, wouldn't take the bait when asked Saturday if he would declare the same thing.

"I haven't thought that far ahead and I don't know what the situation is going to be at that point, but I'm definitely not going to declare that right now," Crosby said. "Kind of wait and see what happens. But if [Ovechkin] feels that strongly about it I don't have a problem with that. If he wants to represent his country and be there that's his choice."

Crosby did say that he would want to play in the Olympics again if given the opportunity. He has won the gold medal in the past two Olympics with Canada, including scoring the overtime goal in the gold-medal game at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

"It's pretty special. It's a unique experience," Crosby said. "Obviously looking back on the two I've been a part of it's been a really great experience. When you win it's always better, but I think the whole feel of an Olympics, being part of that was a great experience."

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said last week that there has been "radio silence" in the negotiations for future Olympic participation between the NHL, NHLPA and International Ice Hockey Federation. Daly said he expects discussions to pick up during the World Cup.

via NHL.com.

Sidney Crosby Named Team Canada's Captain for World Cup of Hockey 2016

TORONTO/NEW YORK (Aug. 25, 2016) – Hockey Canada announced today that Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby will serve as Team Canada’s captain at the World Cup of Hockey 2016. Chicago Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews and Montreal Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber will support Crosby as Team Canada’s alternate captains.

Crosby, 29, has won two Stanley Cup® championships since becoming captain of the Penguins during the 2007-08 season. The 2016 Conn Smythe Trophy winner has registered 338 goals and 938 points in 707 career NHL games. Crosby captained Team Canada to gold at both the 2014 Olympic Winter Games and the 2015 IIHF World Championship.

Toews, 28, has been the Blackhawks’ captain since the 2008-09 season, leading the club to Stanley Cup® championships in 2010, 2013 and 2015. He has registered 251 goals and 564 points in 645 career NHL games.

Weber, 31, will serve as an alternate captain with the Canadiens this season and spent the previous six years as captain of the Nashville Predators. Weber has registered 166 goals and 443 points in 763 career NHL games.

Team Canada General Manager Doug Armstrong and Head Coach Mike Babcock will host a media conference call today at 12:30 p.m. ET to preview Team Canada’s preparations for the World Cup of Hockey 2016. Dial-In: (877) 385-4099; Passcode 74697#

Eight teams -- Team Canada, Team Czech Republic, Team Europe, Team Finland, Team North America, Team Russia, Team Sweden and Team USA -- will compete in the two-week tournament, featuring more than 170 of the best players in the NHL. All tournament games will be played at Air Canada Centre in Toronto, home of the Toronto Maple Leafs.