Crosby will not be available on Thursday, but the Penguins announced that his upper-body injury is not a concussion. Head coach Mike Sullivan thinks that Crosby will probably be out for a week, meaning he will probably miss at least Saturday’s game in Ottawa.
Crosby was absent during the Penguins practice session on Wednesday, making him questionable for Thursday’s game against the Lightning. Monitor his status during tomorrow’s morning skate.
Letang missed Tuesday’s game, but was back on the ice for Wednesday’s practice and could play Thursday vs. the Islanders. Letang’s return to the lineup would be huge for the Penguins, as the veteran defenseman has picked up 11 points (4G / 7A) in nine games this season.
Letang left Monday’s practice with what was described as a nagging lower-body injury. Letang did not take part in Tuesday’s optional morning skate and is officially listed as a game-time decision. If Letang can’t play, look for Juuso Riikola to draw back into the lineup.
The other Sebastian Aho had four points (1G /3A) in 22 games with the Islanders last season but will start this year in the AHL. Aho was beat out by Devon Toews during training camp but will likely be their first D call-up when needed.
Mantha is coming off of his best season as a pro, scoring 24 goals with 24 assists (48 points) in 80 games. The 23-year-old, former first-round pick has 30-30 potential and is a key part of the Red Wings’ future and rebuild. Mantha is locked into a top-6 spot in Detroit and graded out as the No.31 RW in the NHL—meaning he is a low-end first-liner/high-end second-liner as he enters his third NHL season.
Rust has become a valuable middle-6 winger for the Penguins, scoring 13 goals with 25 assists (38 points) in 69 games this past season. Rust occasionally sees time on a line with Evgeni Malkin but is equally effective in a checking-line role. He grades out as the No.52 ranked RW in hockey according to Corsica Player Ratings.
