Pittsburgh Penguins rule out injured Crosby and Malkin against Dallas Stars
Pittsburgh Penguins franchise icons Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have been ruled out of Saturday’s game against the Dallas Stars due to injury.
The absence of their two biggest stars comes at a pivotal moment, with Pittsburgh currently clinging to second place in the Metropolitan Division.
Head coach Dan Muse provided a fitness update on the veteran forward duo ahead of the weekend fixture.
Both players are day to day with injuries and will sit out Saturday’s game against Dallas.
Dan Muse
Olympic setback compounds Crosby woes
The 38-year-old Canadian captain sustained a lower-body problem during the first period of Thursday’s 4-3 shootout victory over the Ottawa Senators.
It marks a frustrating continuation of physical issues for the legendary centre.
He recently missed approximately a month of action after suffering a separate lower-body injury while representing Team Canada at the Milan Cortina Olympics.
Playoff push hangs in the balance
His long-time Russian team-mate will also sit out his third consecutive fixture.
The powerful forward has been sidelined with an upper-body complaint since a defeat by the Carolina Hurricanes on 22 March.
These setbacks arrive just as the Pennsylvania franchise attempts to secure their first postseason appearance since 2022.
With only 10 regular-season games remaining, Muse’s side hold a narrow one-point advantage over both the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New York Islanders.
The upcoming schedule offers no respite, featuring a vital trip to face the Islanders on Monday before hosting the Detroit Red Wings the following night.
