How Penguins Plan To Address Possible Sidney Crosby Absence Against Rangers

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby returned to the ice on Thursday after being held out of practice on Wednesday, but he didn’t fully participate with the team.

Crosby went through pre-workout drills, before moving to a separate sheet of ice to do individual work. Penguins coach Mike Sullivan told reporters the skate was “pre-planned,” and the captain continues to be evaluated.

During Penguins practice, Rickard Rakell took Crosby’s spot on the top line, centering Anthony Beauvillier and Bryan Rust, per Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Matt Vensel. Sullivan would not confirm if Rakell would get the nod if Crosby was unavailable for the Penguins game against the New York Rangers on Friday night. However, the bench boss reiterated the message to the players remains the same, regardless of who is in the lineup.

“It’s an option, it’s an option for us,” Sullivan said, per team-provided video. “Let’s see what Sid’s status is. … The message is the expectations haven’t changed, and it’s next-man-up mindset. Guys are always looking for more ice time. Want to play a more significant role. Here’s your opportunity.

“That’s the world we live in, that’s the NHL. When injuries occur, it provides opportunities for others, and I think players need to look at it like that. The players will be put into positions and more significant roles than they otherwise would be. They’ve got an opportunity to make an impact. It’s a huge opportunity for guys in those types of situations.”

The Penguins are currently outside of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference, but Sullivan still likes the balance Pittsburgh has in its lineup.

“I think we’ve got threats on most lines. I think we have cast guys in roles that play to their strengths,” Sullivan said. “I think it’s an important aspect of my job to try to set guys up for success, and we try to do that in the roles we cast them in. … I think the players have a clear understanding of what the expectation is and how they can help us win games, and now, it’s a matter of going out and executing.”

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