Penguins Skate: No Crosby Yet, Several Updates and New Lines DENVER — The Pittsburgh Penguins returned to the ice for their morning skate on Monday ahead of their matchup against the Colorado Avalanche, but the team’s star player, Sidney Crosby, remained sidelined. Crosby, still recovering from a Grade 2 MCL sprain sustained during the Olympics, participated in line rushes with additional forwards Kevin Hayes and Avery Hayes. His absence continues as he works toward full recovery. The team welcomed back Evgeni Malkin, who rejoined the roster after serving a five-game suspension. Malkin’s return prompted coach Dan Muse to adjust the team’s lines, reuniting the Russian forward with fellow winger Egor Chinakhov and center Tommy Novak. This new trio is expected to provide a strong offensive presence in the upcoming game. Other notable updates included the absence of center Blake Lizotte, who was not present at the skate. Rookie Ville Koivunen remained in the lineup on the third line alongside center Ben Kindel and newly returned defenseman Justin Brazeau. Brazeau, who had been out week-to-week with an upper-body injury, took full line rushes during the skate, indicating his readiness to contribute. Former Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Girard participated in the skate but was listed as a spare defenseman, suggesting limited role in the game. Meanwhile, the Penguins made roster adjustments by recalling defenseman Jack St. Ivany from his conditioning assignment with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. However, St. Ivany was not present at the skate, and the team sent Alex Alexeyev back to WBS in a corresponding move.#colorado_avalanche #evgeni_malkin #pittsburgh_penguins #sidney_crosby #dan_muse
