The Daily: Sidney Crosby Plays Today; When Are Other Stars Returning?

Sidney Crosby and coach Mike Sullivan have cleared COVID protocol. They should be ready to help the Pittsburgh Penguins against the Capitals in Washington tonight.

Crosby has only played one game this season. Firstly, there was his recovery from wrist surgery. Second, it was because of a case of COVID-19.  The Penguins said Crosby had mild symptoms. Even without Sidney Crosby, the Penguins are competitive.

Time table for Injured NHlers

• Detroit’s Jacob Vrana (shoulder surgery) could be back by February
• Vegas center Jack Eichel finally had his disk replacement surgery. He’s expected to be back after the Olympic break.
• Pittsburgh center Evgeni Malkin should be back in late December or early January
• Three days ago, Vegas forward Max Pacioretty’s walking boot was removed. He is putting pressure on his foot. That’s progress. Subsequently, he will return in December. William Karlsson is two weeks behind him
• Montreal goalie Carey Price will start skating again in the next few days. However, no timetable is set for his return.
• Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon (lower body injury could be back the first week in December
• Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov will be back mid-December to early January.
• Washington’s Anthony Mantha had shoulder surgery. He might be back in March, or the playoffs.

Around the NHL

Detroit: Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now says opponents are disrespecting the Red Wings.

Meanwhile, defenseman Simon Edvinsson is drawing attention because of his strong play. As a result, he’s projecting to be a top pairing NHL defender.

Florida: The Panthers are switching up their line combinations.

New York: Could the Islanders be contemplating changes? Coach Barry Trotz says the team has too many unfocused players.

San Jose: The Avalanche overwhelmed the Sharks, 6-2.

Toronto: Maple Leafs survived a 5-4 outcome with the surprising Sabres. Toronto Hockey Now’s Scott Cullen has the details.

Washington: Sammi Silber of Washington Hockey Now reports that Hendrix Lapierre is thriving since returning to his junior team.