Captain Sidney Crosby left Game 3 of the Penguins Eastern Conference semifinal on Monday against the Washington Capitals at 5:24 of the opening period after taking a Matt Niskanen stick to the face.
Niskanen, a former Penguin, was given a five-minute major for cross-checking and a game misconduct, heading to the visitors' dressing room at PPG Paints Arena as boos rained down from the stands. Niskanen made contact with the right side of Crosby's head. As Crosby was falling, his left leg got caught underneath and then snapped out awkwardly.
Crosby, in obvious pain, was face down on the ice before head athletic trainer Chris Stewart helped him to the locker room. No immediate word was available on his condition.
Crosby entered the game tied for No. 2 in playoff scoring with 11 points (four goals).
