Sidney Crosby Returns: 5 Observations from the Kid's Comeback vs. the Islanders

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As the Penguins built a five-goal lead early in the third period against the Islanders on Monday night, it wasn't just the number of goals that got the crowd going, but who was scoring them.

Sidney Crosby's suspected comeback became a reality to the joy of Pens fans, and he made the most of it with a four-point game.

Now that the Crosby chants have subsided at Consol Energy Center, here are my observations from Sid's celebrated return.

Pittsburgh Loves Their Star

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Thousands of fans were lucky enough to own tickets to Monday's game, but none of them knew they were about to witness history in the making.

It was the most memorable match at the new arena thus far. Not because of the significance of the game because after all the Islanders are last in the division while the Pens are fighting for the top spot, but because Pittsburgh's most beloved skater returned to the ice.

The crowd cheered as Sidney Crosby entered NHL action for the first time since January and "Sid" signs littered the stands. There was even a "Sid" cam on local television that followed the star's every move.

 

 

Right Back at It

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The Penguins wanted to make sure Crosby was completely ready before he returned to action, and it seems like they made the right decision.

Sid the Kid hadn't played NHL hockey in nearly a year, so it was reasonable to wonder whether it would take some time to get back in the swing of things.

Yet it didn't even take a single period for Crosby to deliver a storybook ending to his lengthy absence. He was as sharp as ever, netting the game's first goal and his first of the season.

Despite being a bit winded at times, he looked just fine, scoring twice by the final horn. Crosby also finished the game with two assists.

A Boost All Around

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Crosby obviously brings a lot of talent and skill to the table, but his long-awaited return also gave a boost of energy to his team.

Things happen whenever he's on the ice, and now the Penguins boast one of the best first lines in the league.

He excels at winning face-offs, and Pittsburgh's power play was also very glad to have him back.

He Can Take a Hit

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One might think Crosby would be fragile coming off of a 10-month struggle with concussion symptoms, but he showed no signs of difficulty in a large amount of time on the ice.

Fans cringed whenever he was hit or knocked into the boards, however, he came out fighting after every shot the Islanders could get on him.

This just proves the Penguins knew what they were doing and put their star's health first by not rushing him back to soon. Now they will reap the benefits of their patience.

This Team Can Win a Cup

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The Penguins aren't too far removed from their victorious appearance in the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals, and they have a great opportunity to make it back this season.

They were a top 10 team before Crosby re-joined their squad, and things are now looking up after a rough stretch of games.

The Pens are healthier than they have been as Zbynek Michalek also made it back on Monday, and Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal are at full speed again as well. Scoring should not be difficult and blowouts could become common place.

It is very possible that Pittsburgh could go from wondering if its star would ever play again to hoisting the Stanley Cup as soon as this June.