Penguins’ Crosby Out Indefinitely (broken jaw)

USA TODAY Sports-US PRESSWIRE

The Pittsburgh Penguins suffered one of their biggest losses of the season, but it didn’t come in the form of a streak-snapping defeat.

On Saturday, team captain Sidney Crosby underwent surgery to repair his broken jaw he suffered earlier this week on a slapshot from fellow teammate Brooks Orpik. Based on a timetable from previous injuries, the Penguins could lose Crosby for the rest of the season. But the team has listed him as out indefinitely.

According to Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune, Crosby could be expected back by the playoffs if there aren’t any complications with his symptoms post surgery. If this is the case, it would be a welcome relief for the Penguins Stanley Cup hopes.

The 25-year-old phenom has tallied 15 goals, 41 assists and 56 points on the season. Over the course of his seven years in the league, he has notched 235 goals, 427 assists and 665 points.

The news comes as a big blow to a team entering the last stretch of the season in first place. Pittsburgh is also playing without top defenseman Kris Letang and defenseman Paul Martin, the latter of which is out for four to six weeks after having surgery.

The Penguins will face off against the Buffalo Sabres, trying to hold onto their 15-game winning streak. They are just two wins shy of setting an NHL record of 17 wins in a row, set by the Penguins in 1992-93.