A Fan’s Reaction: Sidney Crosby Returns with a Four-Point Night

Much to the chagrin of NHL fans not located in Pittsburgh, Sidney Crosby returned to National Hockey League action last night making his season debut against the New York Islanders. To add further complications to any emotions fans outside of the Steel City felt, Crosby ended the night with two goals and two assists. The most hated team in the NHL has added the firepower of one of the best players in world.

Of course, Penguins fans were eager to welcome the superstar center back into the lineup. The four point night just served to add fuel to the fire of expectations the Pens are experiencing in this campaign. The team has compiled 27 points this season and is competing with a pack at the top of the NHL rankings. However, the return of Crosby to the lineup could potentially make the Penguins that much better. Still, just seeing Sid on the ice again in a competitive game was more than enough.

The 5-0 victory over the New York Islanders featured more than just Crosby’s performance. Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury completed the 21st shutout in what is quickly becoming a stellar career. Fleury made 29 (boy, that number sounds familiar) saves on the night, but in the end even the shutout took a back seat to the return of Sid the Kid. Crosby looked better than fine and even won 14 of the 21 face-offs he took, which will be instrumental on improving what has been a so-so power play at 18.7 percent.

Penguin fans had to be a little on edge concerning Crosby had not played since January 5. Rumors and questions surrounded his return from concussion-like symptoms, and some degree of rust was expected when he actually did return to the lineup. Of course, it took five minutes and 24 seconds into the first period for Sid to net his first goal of the year. Apparently, there was not that much rust on number 87.

While there is still a lot of hockey to be played, the NHL got a superstar back, and the Penguins got their captain back. Pittsburgh fans have to be excited at the prospect of a healthy lineup featuring all three star centers including Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal. In addition, the tear James Neal has been on can only be helped by the addition of one of the premier setup men in the NHL.


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