Penguins, Buoyed by Crosby's Return, Face Hurricanes

Pittsburgh looks to build on recent win over Avalanche as captain Sidney Crosby rejoins the lineup.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:10pm

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The Pittsburgh Penguins, coming off an impressive 7-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche, will welcome back captain Sidney Crosby as they visit the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday night. Crosby, who missed 11 games due to a lower-body injury, is set to return to the lineup after a four-week absence. The Penguins have posted a 5-3-3 record in Crosby's absence, and they'll look to build on their recent success against the Hurricanes, who are atop the Metropolitan Division.

Why it matters

The return of Sidney Crosby, the Penguins' leading scorer, is a significant boost for the team as they look to close the gap with the division-leading Hurricanes. The Penguins' recent win over the Avalanche, one of the league's top teams, also demonstrates their ability to compete with the NHL's elite, setting the stage for a potentially pivotal matchup against the Hurricanes.

The details

The Penguins will be looking to build on their impressive 7-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Monday, a game in which Evgeni Malkin scored two goals and added an assist in his return to the lineup after a five-game suspension. The Hurricanes, on the other hand, are coming off a 5-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, a game that Brind'Amour described as one they did not play well in. The Hurricanes will likely turn to Frederik Andersen in goal, as it's his turn in the goalie rotation.

  • Crosby was expected to be sidelined for at least four weeks after sustaining a lower-body injury during Canada's 4-3 overtime win against Czechia in the quarterfinals at the 2026 Winter Olympics on February 18.
  • Wednesday's game marks exactly four weeks from the date of Crosby's injury.

The players

Sidney Crosby

The 38-year-old captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who leads the team in goals (27) and points (59).

Evgeni Malkin

The Penguins' star forward, who scored two goals and added an assist in his return to the lineup after a five-game suspension.

Rod Brind'Amour

The head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, who described his team's 5-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets as one they did not play well in.

Frederik Andersen

The Hurricanes' goaltender, who is expected to start in goal as it's his turn in the goalie rotation.

Andrei Svechnikov

The Hurricanes' forward, who has a goal in back-to-back games and in three of the past five games.

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What they’re saying

“Excited to get back in it. Just watching these guys and being on the trip, obviously getting closer. ... Just happy to finally be back in there.”

— Sidney Crosby

“This was not a game we played well. Throw it away and come back (Wednesday).”

— Rod Brind'Amour, Carolina Hurricanes head coach

“I look forward to the future. I just want to play.”

— Evgeni Malkin

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.