See the Puck to the Face That Has Put Sidney Crosby Out Indefinitely

Sidney Crosby's injury has sidelined the Penguins' star indefinitely, putting his scoring title and playoff availability into question. (AP Photo)

Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, one of the National Hockey League's best players, is out indefinitely after breaking his jaw from a puck to the face during a game against the New York Islanders Saturday. Crosby was struck near his mouth with an errant 90 miles per hour slap shot from teammate Brooks Orpik during the first period. Video replay from the game shows Crosby losing his stick and flailing to the ice immediately after the hit.

The NHL playoffs are set to begin on April 30, as the Penguins are on a 15-game winning streak with the most points in the league. Crosby, the league's leading scorer, underwent surgery Saturday night and the team will have an update on the MVP-candidate's possible return later this week.

The Los Angeles Times notes that Crosby played only 22 games last season as concussion symptoms lingered after he missed 41 games the previous season.

The 2-0 win over the Isles Saturday was the Penguins debut of newly acquired six-time NHL All-star Jarome Iginla.

'Very tough,'' the former Calgary Flames Captain said of his new teammate's injury. ''Very unfortunate play. Seeing on the replay, he didn't see it coming at all.''

USA Today Hockey Writer Kevin Allen notes that based on what usually happens with broken jaws, Crosby is in danger of missing the rest of the regular season.