Crosby’s return is a win

worry too much about his timetable for returning during the brief period he was out. As a player who has experienced multiple concussions, he knew better than to try and plan his eventual return.

Crosby even admitted the NHL’s concussion protocol has changed and evolved over his time in the league.

“It’s come a long way,” he said. “I don’t think there was much out there about concussions. I think everyone has been educated. I think year after year, everyone’s trying to do their best, to be more aware. They’re tricky things, but I think that’s just kind of been the process for everybody.”

All that being said, only missing one game was a pretty good result.

“You just want to be back out there,” he said. “I think you just kind of go with the flow. Try not to have too many expectations as far as when you’re going to come back, that kind of thing. Playoffs, you want to be in the lineup and not watching. I’m just glad to be back out there [Saturday].”

The Penguins were glad too, even after the loss. Adding Crosby’s skill to the lineup makes an impact across the board, but his return specifically seemed to boost the team’s flailing power play. In the game-plus without him, the top unit looked disjointed and unsure of itself.

With Crosby back, machine once again.

“I think the goal they scored is an indication,” coach Mike Sullivan said. “They’re a talented group, and when he’s out there with them, they’re that much more dangerous. I think they’re versatile, they’re so instinctive. I think that’s what makes them difficult to play against and makes them so dangerous on that power play. When they’re moving the puck and seeing the plays like they were tonight, I think that’s an indication of the differencemakers that we have.”

And now the Penguins have their No. 1 difference-maker back on the ice. it was a