PITTSBURGH -- captain lost several teeth and needed oral surgery after he was hit in the mouth with a puck during a 2-0 victory against the on Saturday,.
Coach Dan Bylsma wasn't sure if the injury affected Crosby's jaw and didn't know if he would miss any more time. Pittsburgh,, which has won a league-high 15 straight games and is within two wins of the NHL record by and the 1992-93 Penguins, hosts Buffalo on Tuesday.
"I just know he had some issues with his teeth," Bylsma said,. "Just from the replay I know that."
Bylsma saw enough to become concerned about the health of the team's biggest star, particularly because of his well-documented history battling concussion problems.
Crosby missed considerable time the past two years because of concussions. He was sidelined for the final 41 games in 2011 and the Stanley Cup playoffs, in addition to skipping most of the 2012 regular season as symptoms lingered.
"I think every time that type of thing happens to a player you think about it," Bylsma said.
Crosby has enjoyed a resurgence this season, leading the league with 41 assists and 56 points. He holds a 10-point lead over in the NHL scoring race.
Saturday's injury could hinder Crosby's march to the scoring title.
A bloodied Crosby, who did not return to the game, skated off the ice with a towel covering his mouth after 's slap shot from the point deflected off a stick and hit the Canadian center just 1:28 into the game.
"When you see the replay, he had no chance to move," said newly acquired star forward , who made his Penguins debut after a blockbuster trade early Thursday morning with the ,.
"He didn't see it hit him. It's a very, very unfortunate play,."
Crosby immediately fell to the ice and tossed his stick in the air. He then went to the hospital for surgery.
"It's very tough to see that happen to anybody on the ice, but this is your teammate, and Sid's such a great player and a big part of this team," Iginla said.
"He's a tough guy and a competitor. Guys were definitely checking to see how he was doing."
Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press
