Crosby will return to Penguins' lineup vs. Hurricanes

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will return to the lineup Wednesday against the Carolina Hurricanes, head coach Dan Muse announced.

Crosby has been out since sustaining a lower-body injury against Czechia at the Olympics on Feb. 18. He missed Canada's last two games in Italy and has been out for 11 NHL contests.

"Excited to get back in it," Crosby said. "Watching these guys and being on the trip, obviously getting closer, it's been close. So, just happy to finally be back in there."

Pittsburgh went 5-3-3 in his absence.

The 38-year-old paces the Penguins with 27 goals and 59 points in 56 games. Crosby has scored more than a point per game for 20 straight seasons, which is an NHL record.

Pittsburgh is second in the Metropolitan Division with a 34-18-15 record.