The Pittsburgh Penguins secured a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 3-1 win against the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday, but two of Sidney Crosby’s teeth will not be making that trip.
Late in the game, Crosby was hit with an Evander Kane high-stick and had two teeth knocked out. The incident landed Kane in the penalty box, called for a double-minor for high sticking at 18:35 of the third period.
This marks the 11th straight season the Pens have made it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Back to Crosby, the Penguins team captain also opened the scoring in the game with an insane goal. Crosby made an end-to-end rush, split the defense and lifted a one-handed backhand into the top corner, and he made it look easy.
That goal was the league leading 41st for Sid No Longer the Kid and here is a look at it:
With the win, Pittsburgh improved their record to (46-17-9), have now won three straight and are only one point behind the Eastern Conference leading Washington Capitals. Can almost hear Alex Ovechkin moaning, “Those guys again?!”
Another injury note: Penguins forward Jake Guentzel left the game about halfway through the first period with a concussion after taking a hit by Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen. The zebras slapped a five-minute interference major and game misconduct to Ristolainen.
More hockey coverage:
This Fight Doesn’t End on the Ice – Sports Climax
NHL Rookie H0-Sang and His Controversial No. 66 – Sports Climax