PITTSBURGH -- Sidney Crosby (Penguins) will make his season debut against the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night. He had left wrist surgery in September.
Crosby, 34 years old, thought he would be absent for "at least six weeks", and it has been slightly more than seven weeks since that procedure.
Also, the Penguins will be able to get back center Jeff Carter who was out for more than a week after he tested positive for COVID-19. Carter stated that he was feeling symptomatic after his quarantine and returned to practice on Friday.
Coach Mike Sullivan spoke highly of Crosby Carter and said, "It goes without saying that they offer us so many on both sides of puck." They make us a better hockey team, and we're better when they're there. We are thrilled to have them back in our lineup.
Crosby will be back in his usual spot as Pittsburgh's center-first. Carter, who was Crosby's replacement, will be anchoring the second line with Evgeni Makin until Thanksgiving. He is currently recovering from knee surgery in June.
Sullivan stated that the ripple effect has a positive impact on all members of the team. Both of these men are great players. It's great to see some of these guys returning to our team.
The Penguins have a record of 3-2-2 without Crosby. However, the importance of Crosby's absence has been highlighted. Pittsburgh has lost two straight home games to Tampa Bay, Calgary and only one goal.
