The NHL will place Sidney Crosby on its COVID-19 protocol list and he 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. Landing 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 be decreasing lately following multiple outbreaks earlier in the season. On Monday, the league's COVID-19 protocol list consisted of only four players: John Hayden of the Arizona Coyotes, Patrik Nemeth of the Detroit Red Wings, Kaapo Kakko of the New York Rangers, and Tomas Hertl of the San Jose Sharks.

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