Crosby, who missed more than 10 months after taking shots to the head in successive games in January, hasn’t played since developing a headache following a 3-1 loss to the Bruins last week.

“I ended up skating the following day after with a little bit of exertion and it just didn’t feel right,’’ Crosby said. “After kind of talking with everyone it was better to be cautious here and not take any chances.’’

The 24-year-old former MVP passed an ImPACT test - designed to diagnose concussions - last Wednesday but didn’t travel with the team on a road trip over the weekend.

He remained in Pittsburgh hoping to play when the Penguins host Detroit tonight, but those plans were scuttled when symptoms popped up over the weekend during what he called “light exertion.’’

Crosby stressed it wasn’t back to square one but acknowledged it could be a while before he plays. Though he is encouraged by the ImPACT results he allowed “the ImPACT isn’t everything. You’ve got to listen to your body on these things, too.’’

It’s unclear if one specific hit caused the symptoms to resurface, though Crosby pointed to a first-period collision with the Bruins’ David Krejci as significant.

Krejci was digging for the puck in front of the Pittsburgh bench when Crosby closed in. The Boston forward spun just before Crosby arrived, with Krejci’s left elbow appearing to knock Crosby off-balance as play continued.

Crosby didn’t miss a shift, playing more than 21 minutes in the Penguins’ loss.

“I know I got hit in the head there,’’ Crosby said. “But I felt like I was pretty good after that. I didn’t feel like it was anything too major but if you look at one hit . . . that was a good one.’’

Crosby has 12 points in eight games but hasn’t scored since finding the net twice in his electrifying debut against the Islanders Nov. 21.

Despite the setback, Crosby insisted he didn’t feel “bad,’’ just a little off. He went through a painstakingly slow rehabilitation after being diagnosed with concussion-like symptoms in January. He doesn’t believe he’s anywhere close to that situation.

He will, however, have to follow similar protocols. Crosby joined the Penguins at the start of training camp but spent more than two months practicing before getting cleared to play.

“It’s kind of that whole routine again, but hopefully not as long,’’ he said.

Devils 5, Lightning 4 - Zach Parise and Adam Henrique both had a goal and two assists to lead New Jersey past host Tampa Bay. Ilya Kovalchuk, Petr Sykora, and Dainius Zubrus also scored for the Devils, who had lost five of seven.

Steven Stamkos had two goals for the Lightning, losers of seven of eight. Steve Downie and Blair Jones also scored.