Season preview – Chicago Blackhawks

Sidney Crosby lying face-down on the ice is the Penguins’ worst nightmare. Crosby, Pittsburgh’s captain and best player, left Game 3 of his team’s playoff series against Washington after taking a hit to the head from Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen. The Penguins were in Washington’s end of the ice when Niskanen crosschecked Crosby across the face with his stick. Crosby was skating by Washington goaltender Braden Holtby when he turned and faced Niskanen. Niskanen raised his stick and hit Crosby flush. Crosby was on the ice in obvious pain for several minutes before exiting slowly under his own power. Niskanen was given a five-minute major penalty and a 10-minute game misconduct. Crosby entered

Tampa Bay, which has the NHL’s best record and an All-Star contingent to show it, hosts Calgary.