Sidney Crosby hurt in game 3 of playoff with Caps.

Ice hockey is a violent sport. Unlike in soccer, a player can go through another player if he is between him and the puck. This translates into some pretty violent hits. This does not mean that the player who does do the hitting can raise his stick - that gets called cross checking. Except when an opponent is messing around the goalie in the crease. That is reacted to by a cross check and usually not called.

Crosby was buszzing around the goalie and coming at Niskanen backwards and Niskanen raised his stick to hit him on the back as it is usually done. Unfortunately, Crosby's left leg collapsed so the hit was delivered to his head. Crosby then went to the ice and had to leave the game. Niskanen was given a 5 minute penalty and a game misconduct.

Was the hit deliberate? Of course. Was it done deliberately to injure Crosby? Doubtful. Coach Trotz of the Capitals said 'it was a hockey thing.' And so it was. If Crosby is injury prone, he should not play ice hockey.

One of the fans provided us with a video:

http://www.torontosun.com/2017/05/01/sidney-crosby-injured-leaves-game-3-of-penguins-capitals

The Caps were up 2 to 1 and Pittsburg managed to tie the game only to lose in overtime. The fourth game is going to be played in Pittsburgh tomorrow.  Crosby is doubtful. It is not a head injury, but the injury to the leg that may keep him out of the lineup.