Sidney Crosby Suffers Concussion, Could Miss One Week

Sidney Crosby, the NHL's leading scorer and one of its signature stars, is expected to be out of the lineup at least a week after being diagnosed with a concussion. Crosby sat out the Penguins' 2-1 shootout loss in Montreal Thursday night.

"Sidney has a mild concussion, and that's the update on Sid," Pittsburgh head coach Dan Bylsma said in his post-game briefing with reporters in Montreal, as seen on the NHL Network. "I have not talked to Sidney about this. I just got the report."

The Penguins are denying that Crosby suffered the concussion as a result of his collision with David Steckel of the Washington Capitals in the final seconds of the NHL Winter Classic at Heinz Field on Saturday night.

"We wouldn't have thought he was okay to play," said Bylsma. "He certainly saw doctors."

During Pittsburgh's 8-1 win over Tampa Bay Wednesday, Crosby was hit hard into the end boards by 6-foot-6, 220-pound Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman. Replays show Crosby's face shield hitting the boards.

Asked how long the Penguins' captain might be sidelined, Bylsma said, "I'd say he has to be symptom-free. I'd say about a week."

In recent years, the NHL has developed a protocol with medical experts on how long players should stay off the ice based on severity of concussions and how many the player has sustained over his career.

Bylsma expressed confidence that his first-place Penguins will survive during Crosby absence.

"We play 40 minutes a game without Sid on the ice," said Bylsma, "so we're comfortable that we know how to play and how to win hockey games."

The 23-year-old Crosby leads the NHL in goals (32) and points (66). While he is out, the Penguins will look to dynamic center Evgeni Malkin to help carry the team. Malkin is 15-19-34 in 36 games this season.