Watch out, Devils: Crosby usually excels in returns from injury

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports Sidney Crosby takes the ice against the New York Islanders in Game 1 of the 2021 first round on May 16.On Friday, Oct. 29, the Penguins announced that Sidney Crosby would be a game-time decision for a Saturday Halloween weekend clash with the visiting New Jersey Devils.

Crosby, who has been recovering from offseason wrist surgery, has yet to play in the 2021-22 campaign. As is the unfortunate case with Evgeni Malkin, a plethora of previous injury data throughout Crosby’s career is available for analysis. What does history tell us about how the captain usually performs when returning from major absences?

In seven games that marked returns from major injuries,…