Crosby has missed the first seven games of the season but has been skating regularly for the last two weeks. In Friday's practice, he skated on the top line with Jake Guentzel and Evan Rodrigues and was on the top power-play unit, both good signs that he'll play Saturday. Crosby had 62 points (24G / 38A) in 55 games a season ago.
Rakell left Thursday's game in the third period and did not return. Because of the back-to-back, the Ducks have yet to provide an update on Rakell, so consider him a game-time decision.
Nieto is day-to-day with a lower-body injury and will not play vs. Montreal. With Nieto out, look for Lane Pederson to draw back into the Sharks lineup.
The Penguins said that they are keeping Crosby's timeline internal, so it's unclear when Crosby will make his season debut. Their next game is Saturday vs. the Devils.
Crosby continues to skate with the team but is not quite ready to make his season debut. Monitor Crosby's progress leading up to Thursday's game vs. the Flames.
Jarry has tested positive for COVID-19 but is reportedly asymptomatic. Being placed in the NHL's COVID-19 protocol puts Jarry's status for Saturday's game in doubt. If Jarry can't play, look for Casey DeSmith to get the nod vs. Toronto.
Carter has tested positive for COVID-19 but is reportedly asymptomatic. Being placed in the NHL's COVID-19 protocol puts Carter's status for Saturday's game in doubt. This would leave the Penguins without all three of their top centres.
Crosby has missed the first four games of the season and will miss Saturday's game vs. Toronto. The next opportunity for him to play would be Tuesday vs. the Lightning.
