Penguin Captain Sidney Crosby within the COVID-19 log

Sidney Crosby has been included on the NHL’s COVID-19 log. (Photo by Mike Stobe / NHLI via Getty Images)

The NHL’s COVID-19 list has fortunately been shrinking in the past few days, but a big name has been added since then.

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

Penguin head coach Mike Sullivan broke the news when the team skipped morning skate due to the precautions for COVID-19.

The 33-year-old Crosby has scored seven goals and 18 points in each of Pittsburgh’s 20 games this season.

“He’s an influential player for us in so many different areas,” said Sullivan of the loss. “He’s not an easy guy to replace, but we’ve had this in the past and found ways to be successful. It should give others the opportunity to improve.”

Fifth in the East Division, a win would draw the Penguins level with the Flyers in the race for the last postseason spot in what is arguably the most competitive quadrant in the league.

Ironically, Crosby’s inclusion on the COVID-19 list is announced the same day fans are allowed to return to the PPG Paints Arena for the first time with a capacity of 15 percent.

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

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