NHL News

Sidney Crosby Enters NHL COVID Protocol

Head coach Mike Sullivan noted that Sidney Crosby will not play in tonight’s game as he’s on the COVID protocol list.

by
NHL Trade Talk
March 2, 2021

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.

Coach Sullivan on Crosby: "Sid will not be available for tonight's game. He will be listed on the NHL's COVID protocol list. We didn't have a morning skate this morning due to the NHL's COVID protocol."
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 2, 2021

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.

Next: Derek Stepan to Miss Remainder of Season With Senators