Crosby lands on NHL's COVID-19 protocol list

Sidney Crosby is on the NHL's COVID-19 protocol list and won't play Tuesday night against the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan said.

Sullivan added that the Penguins canceled their morning skate due to protocol. Being placed on the list does not necessarily mean a player tested positive.

Crosby is tied for the team lead with seven goals and ranks first among Pittsburgh skaters in both assists (11) and points through 20 games. The 33-year-old Penguins captain sits second among the club's forwards in average ice time, logging 20:24 per contest.

The NHL's COVID-19 cases - both suspected and confirmed - have appeared to decrease lately following multiple outbreaks earlier in the season. Tuesday's list featured just three players: Crosby, Ryan Johansen of the Nashville Predators, and Tomas Hertl of the San Jose Sharks.

The league updates the list around 5 p.m. ET every day.