Penguins captain Sidney Crosby placed on NHL's COVID-19 list

The NHL's COVID-19 list has fortunately dwindled in recent days, but a big name has since been included.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will miss at least one game — Tuesday night versus the Philadelphia Flyers — after being placed on the NHL's COVID-19 protocol list. The hope is that this is a precautionary measure, and not a positive test.

Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan delivered the news as the team skipped the morning skate due to COVID-19 precautions.

Crosby, 33, has appeared in each of Pittsburgh's 20 games this season, registering seven goals and 18 points.

"He’s an influential player for us in so many different areas," Sullivan said of the loss. "He’s not an easy guy to replace by any stretch, but we have been through this experience in the past and found ways to have success. It should provide opportunities for others to step up."

Seeded fifth in the East Division, a win would bring the Penguins level with the Flyers in the race for the final postseason spot in arguably the most competitive quadrant in the league.

Ironically, Crosby's inclusion on the COVID-19 list is announced on the same day that fans will be first allowed back in PPG Paints Arena at 15 percent capacity.

Only four players were included on the last release of the NHL's COVID-19 list, marking a significant drop from the average last month as the league continues to trend in a positive direction.

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