Penguins captain Sidney Crosby exits COVID-19 protocol

Pittsburgh Penguins centre Sidney Crosby, defenceman Brian Dumoulin and head coach Mike Sullivan are scheduled to rejoin the team in Washington D.C. on Sunday after exiting the COVID-19 protocol.

Crosby and Dumoulin went into the protocol on Nov. 3. Sullivan joined them a day later as part of an outbreak that's seen eight Penguins and their longtime coach miss time.

Acting head coach Todd Reirden said before Saturday's game in Ottawa that he expects Sullivan to be back on the job when the Penguins face the Capitals.

It's unclear whether Crosby and Dumoulin will play, though the fact they are rejoining the team at the end of a brief two-game road trip indicates they will be given every opportunity to be available.

WATCH | Penguins' Sidney Crosby a breakthrough COVID-19 case:

Sidney Crosby latest NHLer to get breakthrough COVID-19 case

3 years ago

Duration 1:52

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is the latest NHL player to test positive for COVID-19, despite being fully vaccinated. Epidemiologists say the athletes could be at risk of infection largely because of the time spent together.

The Penguins have muddled through the opening month of the season while dealing with a myriad of absences to high-profile players due to COVID-19. Forwards Jeff Carter and Jake Guentzel are among a group who spent time in protocol during the first few weeks of the season.

Pittsburgh entered Saturday with a 5-3-4 record and in seventh place in the highly competitive Metropolitan Division.