Penguins activate Sidney Crosby off COVID-19 list ahead of Flyers game

It appears the league report that Pittsburgh Penguins superstar and captain Sidney Crosby would miss a second straight game while on the NHL's COVID-19 protocol list was premature. 

The Penguins confirmed on Thursday afternoon that the three-time Stanley Cup champion has been activated ahead of Thursday's clash with the Philadelphia Flyers, the second of three games between the clubs this week. Crosby and assistant coach Todd Reirden missed Tuesday's contest that Pittsburgh won 5-2 because of coronavirus-related protocols. 

The Penguins added that Reirden is also cleared to resume his normal duties. 

Crosby began Tuesday leading the team with 18 points and has since been joined atop the list by Jake Guentzel. Guentzel, like Crosby, has seven goals and 11 assists this season. 

"I thought our team played a strong game the other night against a real good Philadelphia team," Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan previously told reporters. "For me, it’s about effort, execution and then attention to detail. Regardless of who’s in our lineup, that’s the type of game that we need to bring to the table, each and every night if we’re going to give ourselves the best chance to win."

The Penguins and Flyers will face off again on Saturday afternoon.