Penguins star Sidney Crosby remains on COVID-19 list, misses practice

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby missed practice on Wednesday and remains on the NHL's COVID-19 protocol list. The 33-year-old went on the list Tuesday ahead of Pittsburgh's home game versus the Philadelphia Flyers that the Penguins won 5-2. Pittsburgh canceled Tuesday's morning skate because of the league's coronavirus-related protocols but practiced on Wednesday. 

Penguins assistant coach Todd Reirden also wasn't available on Tuesday due to COVID-19 protocols.

"It was a challenge," Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan said about taking the ice Tuesday evening without Crosby in the lineup, per the league's official website. "Obviously, those are difficult circumstances. They're unexpected circumstances. But as I said to the players, all we can do is focus on the game and control what we can. We tried to keep our focus on hockey and the players that were in the lineup tonight."

There remains no word on if Crosby tested positive for COVID-19 or was deemed a high-risk close contact of an infected person. The three-time Stanley Cup champion began Tuesday leading the Penguins with 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists). Jake Guentzel is now also on 18. 

Pittsburgh faces Philadelphia again on Thursday and Saturday. Crosby's status for either matchup is up in the air as of Wednesday afternoon.