Crosby was left Saturday's scrimmage early and did not take part in Monday's intrasquad game. It's unclear how serious his injury is at this time but the Penguins' first playoff game isn't for 11 more days, so he has ample time to get back to 100 percent.
Nashville selected Novak all the way back in 2015 as a third-round pick. After finished his four years at the University of Minnesota, Novak joined the Predators AHL affiliate in Milwaukee where he eared an NHL contract by finishing second on the team in assists (31) and third in points (42) in 60 games.
Lizotte has been out since January 8th but went to Ontario (AHL) over the bye week and is set to play on Wednesday. The rookie centre has scored four goals with 11 assists (15 points) in 45 games this season.
Lizotte stayed back in Los Angeles during the start fo the Kings road-trip and head coach Todd McLellan told reporters that he will remain at home for the duration of the trip. Jaret Anderson-Dolan is expected to remain with the Kings while Lizotte is out.
Crosby has missed the last 28 games after undergoing core muscle surgery to repair a nagging sports hernia in mid-November. Crosby was back on the top line (with McCann and Simon) and top power-play unit and comes in with 17 points (5G / 12A) in 17 games this season.
Crosby will remain sidelined Sunday in Arizona. He was a full participant in Saturday's practice but still isn't ready to go. Monitor his status as the Penguins return home for Tuesday's game vs. the Wild.
Crosby was scheduled to skate today but wasn't feeling well, so he will not play in Colorado. The Penguins will stick with the same lineup as Tuesday.
Gustafsson was loaned to Team Sweden for the World Juniors, where he had one goal and three assists in seven and earned a bronze medal. He had one goal in 22 games with the Jets earlier in the year but will get his first taste of the AHL upon his return to North America.
Lizotte was forced to leave Wednesday's game vs. Dallas early in the first period and did not return. The 22-year-old's absence allowed Michael Amadio to move up to the third line and Matt Luff will draw in on the fourth line in Vegas.
Rakell has missed the last six games but is expected to play tonight vs. the Blue Jackets. Rakell had two goals and four assists in seven games before getting hurt and will likely be back on the top line with Ryan Getzlaf on Tuesday.
Crosby is on the Penguins road trip and skated before the morning skate and also took part in the team session ahead of Tuesday's game in Vegas. It's a great sign that he was able to skate with the team again today but he will remain out of the lineup for at least one more game.
Crosby has been out since November 9th after undergoing surgery for a nagging sports hernia but it looks like he'll be back in the lineup at some point this week. The Penguins are in Vegas on Tuesday, so monitor Crosby's status if they elect to hold a morning skate.
Bemstrom has been sidelined by an upper-body injury since December 7th but has been activated from IR prior to Saturday's afternoon game. It remains to be seen if Bemstrom will play against the Sharks.
van Riemsdyk has played in the last five games but will be replaced by Haydn Fleury tonight vs. the Capitals. van Riemsdyk has just three assists in 24 games this season.
