Sidney Crosby Returns to Penguins Lineup, Hurricanes Prevail in Overtime

RALEIGH, N.C. — Sean Walker’s overtime goal spoiled Sidney Crosby’s return to the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup on Wednesday night, as the Carolina Hurricanes defeated Pittsburgh 6-5 at Lenovo Center. Walker scored with just 28.3 seconds remaining in the extra period.

Crosby Back in Action After Olympic Injury

Crosby had been sidelined for 11 games after sustaining a lower-body injury during Team Canada’s 4-3 overtime win against Team Czechia in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Winter Olympics on February 18th. NHL.com reported that Crosby expressed his excitement to be back on the ice, stating, “Excited to get back in it… Just happy to finally be back in there.” He was expected to be sidelined for at least four weeks.

Game Recap: Hurricanes Edge Penguins in High-Scoring Affair

Jackson Blake contributed a goal and two assists for the Hurricanes, while Logan Stankoven, Taylor Hall, and Walker each tallied a goal and an assist. Jordan Martinook and K’Andre Miller also found the back of the net, and Nikolaj Ehlers recorded three assists. Frederik Andersen made 30 saves in goal for Carolina.

For the Penguins, Erik Karlsson scored two goals and added an assist, Crosby had a goal and an assist, and Bryan Rust and Ben Kindel also scored. Stuart Skinner stopped 38 shots.

Wild Finish to Regulation

The game featured a frantic finish to regulation time, with each team scoring twice in the final 7:01. Stankoven’s goal gave the Hurricanes a 4-3 lead, but Karlsson and Kindel responded with goals just 23 seconds apart to position Pittsburgh ahead. Miller then scored for Carolina with 2:51 left to tie the game at 5-5, setting the stage for Walker’s overtime winner.

Penguins Complete Road Trip

Pittsburgh finished its five-game road trip with a 2-1-2 record, having previously faced the Hurricanes in a 5-4 shootout loss. The Penguins will next host the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday.

Hurricanes Continue Metropolitan Division Dominance

The Hurricanes, currently leading the Metropolitan Division, will travel to Toronto on Friday. Walker’s goal was his third in the last eight games.