Sidney Crosby Returns: 5 Memorable Moments from His First Game Back

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It was a scene that reminded many Penguin fans of a late December night 11 years ago when another Pittsburgh legend, Mario Lemieux, made an anticipated return to the ice.

The crowd was electric and the buzz around the city made it feel like we were watching a game in June, except it was a Monday night in November against the Islanders.

Naysayers said that Crosby would not be able to perform well when he first returned. That he would be hesitant from contact and that he would need to time to acclimate to the speed of the game.

No. 87 proved again why it is always wrong to doubt the greatest player of our generation.

He put up two goals and two assists in a memorable 5-0 victory over the Islanders. As always, he gave the fans their money's worth and gave them memories they will never forget.

Here are five memorable moments from Monday night that will forever be remembered by Pens fans. 

His First Goal

After he almost set up Chris Kunitz for a goal in his first shift, Crosby came back strong in his third shift.

He skated past two defenders and powered his way for a beautiful and legendary backhanded goal which made everyone at the Consol Energy Center jump out of their seats.

It was something that was so extraordinary, that when it was happening people must have been saying, "No, he did not just do that!"

A truly special moment and definitely the highlight of the night. 

His Second Goal

Call it luck.

But you need to be good to be lucky!

This might be viewed as a fluky goal but Crosby's faceoff win and power behind the net led to the goal. Also, that backhander was so hard that it had the goaltender flustered. 

So maybe the fact that the puck went in was a bit of luck, but Crosby's play that led to the shot definitely was all world-class skill. 

The Hit He Took

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Everyone at Consol Energy Center and probably in the NHL cringed when Sidney Crosby was sent flying into the boards by Travis Hamonic. 

The hockey world all held their breath, but once Crosby got up unscathed they were able to relax. It was a major test to see if Crosby can withstand a hit like that. 

He passed the first test but Crosby and the Penguins know that there will be more hits and there will be harder hits.

The Entrance

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It was an entrance that brought back memories of the day Lemieux returned to the ice after his three-and-a-half year retirement.

The second Crosby's blade touched the ice prior to the start of the game, the Consol Energy crowd erupted and this boisterous crowd stayed loud throughout the entire first period when the Penguins blew the game open quickly.

It was definitely a lasting image. 

Myriad of Shots and Opportunities

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In Crosby's first shift, he nearly set up a goal to Chris Kunitz, who rattled his shot off the post. Kunitz had the goalie beat but hit the crossbar. If this had gone in, Crosby would have unbelievably recorded a point in his first shift.

That wasn't the only chance Crosby had to add to his already amazing totals. On another opportunity, Crosby ripped the puck from the near boards on a nearly impossible angle. Anders Nilsson, the New York Islanders goaltender, was just barely able to get his glove on it to deny Crosby of his goal.

Every time he was on the ice he would make plays happen and be the threat on the ice he used to be.

In other words, Crosby hadn't missed a beat and it was really good to see. He had four points but he could've easily had six or seven. He was possessed.

The NHL was glad to see him back today, but now they are shuddering in fear. If you don't believe me, ask the Islanders.