Sidney Crosby Out Against Rangers Due to Injury

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will miss Friday's game against the New York Rangers due to an upper-body injury sustained during a collision with New Jersey Devils players. This marks the first game Crosby has missed this season, as he has been a key contributor with 58 points in 55 games. Coach Mike Sullivan indicated that the team is taking a cautious approach with Crosby's recovery, emphasizing a 'next-man-up mindset' as the Penguins also face the absence of star center Evgeni Malkin, who is on injured reserve. The Penguins are currently struggling in the playoff race, sitting eight points behind a wild card spot. Crosby is expected to captain Team Canada at the upcoming Four Nations Face-Off, raising questions about his availability for the tournament. The team will rely on Rickard Rakell to step into a leading role in Crosby's absence.