Not since December 2000 has there been this much anticipation about a Pittsburgh Penguins home game. In that year, Mario Lemieux returned to the league three years after retiring. The captain didn’t disappoint with a goal and an assist. Many fans won’t forget that night in Penguins history or when Lemieux flew out to Philadelphia after receiving his final radiation treatment and receiving a :90 second standing ovation from the Flyers fans. Years down the road, Penguins fans will have another night to remember, that night is November 21, 2011. Since January, Penguins fans have been speculating when Captain Sidney Crosby would return from his concussion injury suffered on January 1st against the Washington Capitals and January 5th against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Many fans thought he would return during last year’s playoffs. Many thought he would be ready at the beginning of the season. There were even some who thought he may be done for good. On Sunday afternoon however, it was announced that Crosby would return to action Monday night against the New York Islanders, 320 days after he last skated in an actual game.
There was no set timetable for his return, as his doctors were the only ones who could clear him to play. Even coach Dan Bylsma said his wife gave her set of tickets away for this game just a few days ago. Fans frantically searched for tickets anywhere they could. Tickets that were going for $75 Sunday morning skyrocketed to over $350 by Sunday night. This was the hottest ticket in town as Penguins forward Tyler Kennedy described it. Versus picked up the game nationally and over 250 credentialed media members were at the Consol Energy Center waiting for the return of the kid. Arron Asham said jokingly after warmups, “where is everybody going, I’m right here,” as the media members flocked towards Crosby’s locker as if it were the Stanley Cup.
Fans were given signs that said simply “Welcome back Sid” on it. Crosby was scheduled to have 12 minutes of ice time before the game and his predicted immediate impact varied depending on who you asked. As the clock struck 7:08, the crowd erupted and gave 87 the standing ovation he deserved. Even the biggest Penguins optimists couldn’t have expected what they saw on Monday. With only 5:20 passing by, Crosby took the puck across the blueline, switched to his background and let it rip. It seemed too good to be true, but sure enough Crosby tallied the first goal of the game. He was far from done however.
Crosby added another goal on one of the prettiest backhands I have ever seen after reverse pivoting. Crosby also added two assists on the night with goals by Brooks Orpik and Evgeni Malkin. While his return doesn’t compare to Lemieux coming back from cancer, back problems and retirement, Crosby was every bit as good as “Super Mario.” Four points in the 5-0 shutout – it looks as if Crosby hasn’t missed a step.
It’s undeniable that people will boo Crosby wherever he goes and his reputation of being a “whiny baby” – too put it politely – will stay with him. Though whether you are a Penguins fan, a Flyers fan, a Red Wings fan or just a hockey fan, be happy that the face of the league is healthy and back in action.
Welcome back 87.
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