(Pittsburgh) Sidney Crosby will not wear the Pittsburgh Penguins uniform in Game 6 of their first-round series on Friday night against the New York Rangers.
Posted at 1:38 p.m.
Head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed the Penguins captain’s absence after the team’s morning practice.
Sullivan said Crosby skated earlier in the day with Ty Hennes, who serves as the skating and skill development instructor.
Crosby left Game 5 on Wednesday night after being hit high by Jacob Trouba and did not return.
The Penguins limited themselves to saying Crosby, who has suffered concussions in the past, suffered an upper-body injury.
The Penguins have only played two playoff games without Crosby since the Nova Scotian entered the NHL in 2005. The Penguins won those two games, in which Evgeni Malkin had three assists.
The Penguins lead the series 3-2 and could eliminate the Rangers tonight.
In Crosby’s absence, Drew O’Connor should be added to the lineup. In training Friday morning, Evan Rodrigues occupied the position of center player between Danton Heinen and Kasperi Kapanen.
With nine points, Crosby leads all scorers in the series between the Penguins and Rangers, and is tied for fourth in the NHL since the start of the playoffs.
Without Crosby for more than half of Game 5, the Penguins suffered a 5-3 loss at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.