Penguins forward Sidney Crosby and assistant coach Todd Reirden have been given clearance to return to their team after clearing the NHL’s covid-19 protocol and will be available for Thursday’s home game against the rival Philadelphia Flyers at PPG Paints Arena.
Crosby and Reirden were each absent for Tuesday’s 5-2 home win against the Flyers as well as a practice in Cranberry on Wednesday.
NHL rules do not permit teams to offer any specifics as how individuals are placed in the protocol. Being placed in the protocol does not necessarily mean an individual has tested positive for covid-19.
Crosby is the third Penguins player to be placed on the NHL’s list of absences related to covid-19 protocol. He was preceded by forward Kasperi Kapanen and defenseman John Marino.
In 20 games this season, Crosby is the team’s leading scorer with 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists).
Reirden oversees the team’s defensemen as well as the power play.
Additionally, the team recalled forwards Anthony Angello and Josh Currie from the taxi squad.
Angello has appeared in three NHL games this season and has no points.
Currie made his Penguins debut on Tuesday. Logging 7:24 of ice time on 12 shots, Currie had no points and was 2 for 5 (40%) on faceoffs.
