Crosby's last match NHL was on November 9. The operation was performed five days later.

- It felt good. It helps when you get good help from your teammates immediately. There were some tough changes but I quickly got into the rhythm and it helped to get to play in powerplay early and feel that things were right. The team played well today, Crosby tells the NHL.

Jevgenij Malkin scored two goals and one assist and scored the 1-0 goal after 07.57 in powerplay after a second assist by just Crosby who also helped Malkin's second goal, which meant 4-0.

- Crosby is the captain. We know how important he is. He is our leader. He is a great player and a great teammate. You could see today that we are so much better with him, says Malkin happy to get backing from Crosby.

See Forsberg's Zorro goal in Nashville's loss game against Edmonton:

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