Sidney Crosby on track to clear COVID protocol Saturday

Sidney Crosby entered the league's COVID-19 protocol back on Nov. 3. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Penguins star Sidney Crosby on track to clear COVID-19 protocol Saturday

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 11/10/21

The Pittsburgh Penguins began the 2021-22 NHL regular season at 3-0-2 but fell to 4-3-4 overall following Tuesday's shootout loss at the Chicago Blackhawks that came amid numerous COVID-19 setbacks for the Pens early into the campaign.

Captain Sidney Crosby and defenseman Brian Dumoulin entered the league's COVID-19 protocol back on Nov. 3, two of eight Pittsburgh players sidelined because of coronavirus-related issues over the past month. Head coach Mike Sullivan was placed in the protocol the following day, but general manager Ron Hextall offered a positive update on the team's situation on Wednesday:

Ron Hextall tells @PensJG on tonight's episode of the GM Show that Sidney Crosby and Brian Dumoulin should be out of their COVID protocol on Saturday. "We certainly look forward to having them back on the ice."
— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) November 10, 2021

Assistant coach Todd Reirden is serving as interim coach in Sullivan's absence.

Per The Associated Press (h/t The Sacramento Bee), Penguins defensemen Chad Ruhwedel and Marcus Pettersson returned to practice Wednesday after they dealt with symptoms during their COVID-19 bouts.

Crosby's exact return date remains up in the air, which is becoming an all-too-familiar situation for Pittsburgh fans this fall. The superstar missed the start of the season after he underwent wrist surgery on Sept. 8, played in a single game and then entered the protocol.

The Penguins host the 10-2-1 Florida Panthers on Thursday night.

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