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Penguins Announce Sidney Crosby Injury Update Before Islanders Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ankit Kumar | Last updated Mar 29, 2026 4:33 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Penguins received a timely boost ahead of their clash with the New York Islanders, as captain Sidney Crosby inches closer to a return.

The Penguins have nine games left and remain in the playoff hunt. They are pushing to end a three-season postseason drought, making Crosby’s health a major factor. He leads the team with 64 points in 61 games and remains central to their attack.

Head coach Dan Muse confirmed that Crosby and Evgeni Malkin were full participants in practice. Both players have dealt with recent injuries, making their involvement a key step forward during a crucial stage of the season. Crosby, along with Bryan Rust and Noel Acciari, also traveled with the team to Long Island.

Muse said Malkin’s status still needs clarity after practice, but Crosby’s progress stood out.

Dan Muse said Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin were both full participants in practice, and Bryan Rust and Noel Acciari got maintenance days.

Crosby, Rust and Acciari are all traveling to Long Island. As for Malkin’s status, “I’ve got to firm that up with the training staff once…
— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) March 29, 2026

The veteran forward was active and moving well, even jumping during drills, which points to a possible return soon. While Crosby did not confirm if he will play, his approach suggests he is close.

"These are the games you want to be in," Crosby said about Monday's clash with the Islanders.

A welcome sight for the Penguins one day before their biggest game of the season: Sidney Crosby skating around at practice. pic.twitter.com/vfYFuBs3yl
— King Jemison (@king_jemison) March 29, 2026

Crosby is listed as day to day after suffering a lower-body injury in a shootout win against the Ottawa Senators. The injury followed his recent return from a previous setback, which occurred during the Olympics, adding concern about his durability late in the season.

Despite that, Pittsburgh remains in a strong position in the Metropolitan Division with a solid 36-21-16 record. Their offense and special teams have kept them competitive, but recent inconsistency has raised pressure.