PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby could return to the lineup on Sunday afternoon against Detroit.
Crosby missed Saturday's 2-0 loss to Boston after falling ill following pregame warm-ups. Coach Mike Johnston said Sunday he's optimistic Crosby will be active.
Pittsburgh center Evgeni Malkin will sit out after sustaining a lower-body injury in the first period against the Bruins. There is no timetable for Malkin's return but Johnston said he does not believe it is a long-term issue for the NHL's fifth-leading scorer.
The Penguins have been surprisingly good when forced to play without their two stars. Pittsburgh is 29-13-6 with Crosby and Malkin out of the lineup since 2006.