It wasn’t just that New York Islanders adversary Sidney Crosby scored Thursday’s game-winning goal with a mere 2:25 left on the clock. It was how the Pittsburgh Penguins got the puck that led to their 4-2 victory that angered the visiting team.
As the two players chase a loose puck, watch as Crosby bodies Islanders’ Johnny Boychuk in the corner, popping the defenceman’s stick out of his hands and rendering him stunned and useless as No. 87 goes to the doorstep, takes a pass and beats goalie Jaroslav Halak.
“It’s frustrating when you get elbowed in the head and that guy scores the goal,” a ticked-off Boychuk told Arthur Staple of Newsday post-game. “I’m sure if it was reversed, I’d be getting a phone call from the league and a suspension.”
The Islanders coach agreed.
“It was a high hit, no question,” Jack Capuano said. “The disappointing thing is the official is right next to [Boychuk]. He didn’t even have the puck.”
Jean Hebert, the referee near Bocychuk, asked him if he was OK. So did some Penguins players, according to Boychuk.
“I’m fine, so I guess that’s good,” Boychuk said. “But if it was anyone else, they’d be getting a call from the league.”
After missing a half dozen games with a concussion, Crosby — who also found the net in his return Tuesday — now has points in 10 consecutive regular-season games.
