Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

Penguins star Sidney Crosby out Tuesday vs. Lightning

Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan raised eyebrows Monday when he said that superstar Sidney Crosby was "a whole lot closer" to returning to the lineup and making his 2021-22 NHL season debut as he continues to recover after undergoing wrist surgery on Sept. 8.

Despite that positive update, the Penguins have since confirmed Crosby won't play in Tuesday's matchup against the 2-3-1 Tampa Bay Lightning. That didn't, however, stop the 34-year-old from having some fun on the ice earlier in the day.

The Penguins have gone 3-0-2 without their captain but have encountered multiple other setbacks. Forward Jeff Carter tested positive for COVID-19, goaltender Tristan Jarry was placed in the NHL's coronavirus-related protocol and defenseman Kris Letang also tested positive for the virus. 

Jarry is starting Tuesday, and Sullivan spoke of the other two Tuesday afternoon.

Per ESPN stats, Jarry is 3-0-1 with a 1.47 goals-against average and .943 save percentage in four starts this season.

Pittsburgh hosts the Calgary Flames Thursday night. 

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