Sidney Crosby is the latest NHL superstar to enter the NHL’s COVID protocol. The team announced that their practice was canceled this morning and head coach Mike Sullivan has noted that Crosby won’t be available for tonight’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers as a result.
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This doesn’t mean Crosby has contracted the virus, but it could be that a test came back inconclusive or he was in closer contact with someone who was known to have the virus and precautionary measures are being taken. Sullivan says he told players, “We can do all the right things and this kind of stuff could happen.” Sullivan adds, “Just because someone’s on the COVID protocol list doesn’t necessarily mean that they have COVID.”
As for tonight’s game, it is believed to still be a go and if successive retests for Crosby prove negative, he should be released and potentially available for the Penguins next contest.
Sullivan said it’s tough being forced to play without Crosby. Calling him an influential player in many different areas, the team has found ways to have success and it’s an opportunity for others to step up. The coach said a number of guys can play center, Jarred McCann and Sam Lefferty can be moved into that position.
Sullivan also said he expects Evgeni Malkin to find another level with Sid out and has no doubt he can.
Timing Is Terrible
Not that there’s ever a good time for someone to be missing games with a potential illness, but that Crosby will be out with fans finally coming back into the arena is a huge disappointment for the Penguins and those fans in attendance.
The players are excited to have fans back and Sullivan said they are grateful for the loyalty the fans showed during this difficult time. No doubt, Crosby would have liked to have been out there as well.
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