Trending Now - Penguins Chase Playoff Spot as Crosby Shines in OT Thriller

WHO:

Dan Muse, head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, confirmed Sidney Crosby's readiness to play.

Sidney Crosby, captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, expressed, "Just happy to finally be back in there."

Sidney Crosby, captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins

Dan Muse, head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins

Carolina Hurricanes, NHL team

Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL team

Evgeni Malkin, player for the Pittsburgh Penguins

Arturs Silovs, goalie for the Pittsburgh Penguins

Blake Lizotte, player for the Pittsburgh Penguins

Frederik Andersen, goalie for the Carolina Hurricanes

Egor Chinakhov, player for the Pittsburgh Penguins

Anthony Mantha, player for the Pittsburgh Penguins

Bryan Rust, player for the Pittsburgh Penguins

Noel Acciari, player for the Pittsburgh Penguins

Jack St. Ivany, player for the Pittsburgh Penguins

WHAT:

The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-5 in overtime on March 18th, 2026.

Sean Walker scored the game-winning goal with 28.3 seconds left in overtime.

Jackson Blake recorded one goal and two assists for the Hurricanes.

The Penguins completed a 2-1-2 road trip.

Sidney Crosby scored his 28th goal of the season and logged approximately 18.5 minutes of ice time in his return.

Erik Karlsson scored two goals and had one assist in the game.

Stuart Skinner made 38 saves for the Penguins during the game.

Crosby was injured during Canada's quarterfinal win over Czechia on February 15th, 2026, due to a hit from Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas.

The Penguins have points in six of their last eight games against the Carolina Hurricanes (3-2-3).

The Penguins are looking to snap a nine-game winless streak (0-4-5) in Carolina dating back to March 19th, 2019.

The Penguins have just one regulation loss against Metropolitan Division teams this season, with a record of 11 wins, 1 loss, and 8 overtime losses (11-1-8).

Sidney Crosby will return to the lineup for the Pittsburgh Penguins against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Crosby missed 11 games due to a lower-body injury sustained during the Olympics.

Crosby was placed on injured reserve and was initially expected to be out for at least four weeks.

The Penguins have a record of 34 wins, 18 losses, and 15 overtime losses (34-18-15).

The Carolina Hurricanes have a record of 42 wins, 19 losses, and 6 overtime losses (42-19-6).

The Penguins scored 7 goals against the Colorado Avalanche in their last game, winning 7-2.

The Penguins are currently in second place in the Metropolitan Division.

The Penguins have 15 games remaining in the season.

Crosby has 27 goals and 59 points this season.

WHERE:

The game will take place at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The Penguins played their last game at Ball Arena in Colorado.

WHEN:

The game took place on March 18th, 2026.

The Penguins' next game against the Hurricanes is on March 22nd, 2026.

Crosby's return is scheduled for March 18th, 2026.

Crosby's injury occurred during the quarterfinals of the Olympics on February 15th, 2026.

The Penguins' last game was on March 16th, 2026.

The Penguins' next game against the Hurricanes is on March 22nd, 2026.

WHY:

Crosby's return is significant for the Penguins as they aim to improve their playoff positioning in the Metropolitan Division.

HOW:

Crosby has been skating and taking contact during morning skates leading up to his return.

(UPDATED March 19, 2026 03:48 UTC)

In an exciting overtime matchup on March 18, 2026, the Carolina Hurricanes edged out the Pittsburgh Penguins with a score of 6 to 5, thanks to Sean Walker's game-winning goal with just 28.3 seconds remaining. Jackson Blake had a standout performance for the Hurricanes, contributing one goal and two assists, while Sidney Crosby marked his return with his 28th goal of the season. The Penguins wrapped up a challenging road trip with a record of 2 wins, 1 loss, and 2 overtime losses, and Stuart Skinner made an impressive 38 saves during the game.

(UPDATED March 19, 2026 01:24 UTC)

In a significant update for hockey fans, Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Muse has confirmed that Sidney Crosby is ready to return to the ice after recovering from an injury sustained during Canada's quarterfinal win over Czechia on February 15. Crosby expressed his excitement, saying he's "just happy to finally be back in there," as the Penguins prepare to face the Carolina Hurricanes on March 22, looking to break a nine-game winless streak in Carolina. The Penguins have been performing well lately, earning points in six of their last eight games against the Hurricanes and holding an impressive record of 11 wins, 1 loss, and 8 overtime losses against Metropolitan Division teams this season.

(UPDATED March 18, 2026 23:12 UTC)

In a significant boost for the Pittsburgh Penguins, captain Sidney Crosby is set to return to the lineup today against the Carolina Hurricanes after missing 11 games due to a lower-body injury sustained during the Olympics. Crosby, who has tallied 27 goals and 59 points this season, was initially expected to be sidelined for at least four weeks but has been skating and taking contact during morning skates leading up to his comeback. The Penguins currently hold a record of 34 wins, 18 losses, and 15 overtime losses, and they are looking to solidify their playoff positioning as they face off against the Hurricanes at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.