Sidney Crosby's brutal jaw injury: The shattered jaw, lost teeth, and his fearless return that silenced every critic

When Sidney Crosby stepped back onto the ice during the 2013 NHL playoffs without his protective face shield , fans saw more than just the return of a star, they witnessed a testament to resilience . The Pittsburgh Penguins captain had endured one of hockey’s most gruesome injuries just months earlier: a shattered jaw that left him bloodied, toothless, and facing weeks of painful recovery.

The freak accident that changed Sidney Crosby ’s season
On March 30, 2013, during a game against the New York Islanders , a slap shot from teammate Brooks Orpik deflected off another player and struck Crosby directly in the face. The puck’s force was devastating, roughly ten of his teeth were damaged, two so badly that they punctured the inside of his mouth near his tongue. The impact broke his jaw, forcing surgeons to insert titanium plates with screws to stabilize the bone.


“I can honestly say that was the most traumatic injury that I’ve gone through,” Ottawa Senators defenseman Marc Methot later said, describing a similar experience. Crosby, meanwhile, had to adapt to a liquid diet and lost nearly ten pounds during his recovery. “It’s pretty much impossible to keep weight on,” he admitted, despite being known for his disciplined nutrition.

Recovery, resilience, and return to dominance
Crosby’s road back wasn’t just about healing bones, it was about reclaiming confidence. Team doctors were cautious, insisting he wear a full facial shield for several weeks before finally clearing him for unprotected play during the Eastern Conference Final. “They’re comfortable with it coming off,” Crosby said of his doctors. “It’s nice to see a little bit better.”

His comeback was nothing short of spectacular. Despite the physical trauma, Crosby returned to lead the Penguins with 15 points in 10 playoff games. His agent, Pat Brisson, credited the captain’s perseverance, saying, “Through adversity like that, you become stronger and stronger.”

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For Crosby, who had already battled concussions that once jeopardized his career, this injury became another chapter in his story of grit. The superstar didn’t just rebuild his jaw, he reinforced his reputation as one of the toughest competitors in NHL history.