Sidney Crosby to Return as Captain for Penguins’ Clash Against Capitals on February 22
PITTSBURGH, PA — After a brief injury setback, Sidney Crosby is set to make his highly anticipated return to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ lineup just in time for a marquee matchup against the Washington Capitals on Saturday, February 22, 2025. The Penguins’ captain, who has been sidelined with an upper-body injury since February 4, will reclaim his spot at center and look to reignite his team’s playoff push.
Crosby Cleared for Return After Missing Time
Crosby’s absence marked his first missed games since April 2022, breaking a streak of 229 consecutive regular-season appearances. Though initially expected to be out for an extended period, the veteran forward has progressed rapidly in his recovery, participating in team skates over the past week before receiving full medical clearance.
Head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed the news following the team’s practice on Thursday.
“Sid has been working extremely hard behind the scenes, and he’s ready to go,” Sullivan said. “We wanted to be smart with his recovery, but knowing him, he wasn’t going to sit out any longer than necessary.”
A Storybook Return Against a Familiar Rival
Crosby’s comeback couldn’t be scripted better, as he will return against longtime adversary Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. The two superstars have defined an era of NHL hockey, and their legendary rivalry is set to add another chapter in what could be a pivotal game for both teams.
The Penguins, currently battling for playoff positioning, will be counting on Crosby’s leadership and production to provide a boost. Even with the time missed, he remains Pittsburgh’s leading scorer this season with 58 points (22 goals, 36 assists).
“It’s always a big game when we play Washington,” Crosby said after Thursday’s skate. “These matchups bring out the best in both teams, and I’m excited to be back with the guys.”
Penguins Look for Momentum with Crosby’s Return
The Penguins went 1-1-0 in Crosby’s absence, managing to stay afloat in the standings. However, the team struggled offensively without their captain, underscoring his importance. His return also comes at an ideal time, as he will use this game to fine-tune his play before captaining Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off in March.
Veteran defenseman Kris Letang emphasized the impact of having their leader back.
“Sid’s presence changes everything for us,” Letang said. “He drives our play, keeps everyone calm, and always finds a way to make the big plays when we need them.”
Puck Drop in D.C.
The Penguins and Capitals will face off at Capital One Arena at 7:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, with Crosby expected to center his usual line alongside Jake Guentzel and Bryan Rust.
With the playoff race heating up and another showdown against Ovechkin on the horizon, all eyes will be on Crosby as he looks to make a triumphant return and remind everyone why he’s still one of the game’s greatest players.
