Sidney Crosby's new success after the injury - hero tonight

Crosby missed a full 28 games due to a stomach operation, but is now back.

And that with a message.

In the Little Caesars Arena tonight, he showed early on that he was in game mood and was an offensive threat to the away team.

But it was the Red Wings who took the lead in powerplay in the second period, pushing for 2-0 cards thereafter.

Pittsburgh chased a receipt and Teddy Blueger hit the post after goalkeeper Jimmy Howard left the box and sent off a misdirected clearance.

Instead, it came 1-1 in the third period when Bryan Rust ended a nice hit-and-run game. The match went to extension where Crosby became a hero after about a minute and a half.

In position in front of the box and with the club in the ice, he steered a neat pass from the team's other big star Jevgenij Malkin, who was noted for two assists in the match. At the same time, several Pittsburgh players' fathers cheered on the stands.

- The impression Sidney made in his first matches back has been incredible. He really is a driven athlete who prepares incredibly hard to be ready. He really made sure he was in top form when he came back, says team coach Mike Sullivan.

- It's really impressive. Most people need an adjustment period to get used to speed again, especially when you have missed as many matches as "Sid". But if I'm surprised? No.