Penguins captain Crosby doubtful for playoff after hit in head

[May 02, 2017]  (Reuters) - Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby's playoff future looks doubtful after he took a hit to the head in the first period of his team's 3-2 loss to Washington on Monday.

Crosby skated across the goal mouth when he appeared to take a stick to the head from Washington's Alex Ovechkin before being cross-checked by Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen who also made contact with Crosby's head.

Crosby remained on the ice for several minutes before exiting slowly under his own power. He did not return.

The Penguins suffered an overtime defeat to Washington which cut their best-of-seven series lead to 2-1 in the second round Eastern Conference matchup, and are unclear about the status of their standout.

"We don't have any updates on our injured guys," coach Mike Sullivan told reporters. "They'll be evaluated overnight and then go from there. I'd rather not share my opinion on (the hit)."

Niskanen, who was ejected from the game and could face further discipline, said there was no malice in the collision.

"I wasn’t trying to cross check him with a serious amount of force," Niskanen said. "A collision was going to happen there in the crease. "I hope he’s okay, I certainly didn’t mean to injure him. It was an unfortunate play that happened quick."

Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) is helped off of the ice by Pens trainer Chris Stewart (R) after Crosby suffered an apparent injury against the Washington Capitals during the first period in game three of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Crosby, who was named a Hart Trophy finalist earlier in the day, has had a history of head injuries. The 29-year-old missed half of the 2010-2011 campaign with concussion symptoms and much of the next two seasons with injury as well. Crosby also missed the first six games of this season with concussion.Game Four is on Wednesday in Pittsburgh.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; editing by Amlan Chakraborty)

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