NEW YORK — The Pittsburgh Penguins will not have Sidney Crosby in the lineup Friday when the team faces a crucial matchup against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
The Penguins are desperately trying to remain on the fringe of the Eastern Conference wild-card battle but are eight points behind, and their opponents have games in hand.
Tuesday, Crosby was involved in an awkward collision with a pair of New Jersey Devils, his arm caught between them during the Penguins 3-2 shootout loss. Crosby hunched over immediately and left the ice but returned to the game. He missed practice Wednesday and skated largely by himself Thursday before ending his practice before the team.
The team is already without second-line center Evgeni Malkin, who is out week-to-week and on injured reserve.
Friday morning, Crosby participated in the team’s optional morning skate but will not play.
Crosby has been the team’s offensive driver. He has 17 goals and 58 points in 55 games this season. As depth scoring has been an issue, Crosby’s line with Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust has carried the scoring.
In Crosby’s absence, Rickard Rakell figures to center the top line.
There’s no timetable, short or long, on Crosby’s status.
”We’re taking each day as it comes,” coach Mike Sullivan said.
The Penguins are currently eight points out of a playoff spot. They trail the Detroit Red Wings by eight and the Ottawa Senators by nine. Detroit has one game in hand.
The Penguins have a back-to-back set against division rivals this weekend, beginning in New York and ending Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers.
In Crosby’s absence at practice, the Penguins’ lines were:
Anthony Beauvillier-Rickard Rakell-Bryan Rust
Michael Bunting-Cody Glass-Danton Heinen
Matt Nieto-Kevin Hayes-Phil Tomasino
Boko Imama-Blake Lizotte-Noel Acciari