Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen has been ejected from Game Three after crosschecking 2017 Hart Trophy nominee Sidney Crosby in the head.
Crosby’s status is unknown right now.
The Caps were assessed a five-minute major penalty.
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We’ll defer analysis to later. Here’s just how it happened.
A funny bounce opened up the Penguins for a break. The leading skater passed to Crosby, who drove diagonally to the net.
Braden Holtby made an inspired poke check to end the play, but it didn’t end there.
Alex Ovechkin made contact with Crosby first, then Matt Niskanen hit the Penguins captain. Niskanen’s stick hit Crosby’s head.
Crosby laid still on the ice as trainers came out. He was escorted directly to the dressing room.
Crosby has a history of concussions.
Niskanen was initially sent to the penalty box, then ejected with a game misconduct.
Niskanen and Crosby have had several run-ins earlier in this series, including a dustup in Game Two.
The Capitals iced seven defensemen tonight, which is fortunate.
