Sidney Crosby lands in COVID protocol

There will be a new name on the COVID protocol-related absences list when it comes out later Tuesday, and it’s a big one. Sidney Crosby has entered the league’s protocol according to Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan and will not be available for Tuesday’s game. The team did not have a morning skate because of the protocol.

To be clear, this does not necessarily mean that Crosby has tested positive for coronavirus. Included in the NHL’s list of possible reasons for someone being on the list is are the following:

(1) an initial positive test which remains unconfirmed until confirmatory testing is completed pursuant to the Positive Test Protocol; (2) mandated isolation for symptomatic individuals pursuant to the Positive Test Protocol; (3) required quarantine as a high-risk close contact in accordance with the Positive Test Protocol; (4) isolation based on a confirmed positive test result and/or; (5) quarantine for travel or other reasons as outlined in the COVID-19 Protocol

The Penguins appear to still be on for Tuesday's tilt against the Philadelphia Flyers and will have Tristan Jarry in the net. Mark Jankowski will also not be available and remains listed day-to-day with an injury. He skated this morning on his own but is not quite ready.