Penguins Sit Crosby, Malkin, and Other Star Players Due to Injuries

Seven Penguins players are injured, leading the team to recall three players from the minors.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:48pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape representing the action on the ice.The Penguins' injury woes could open the door for the Capitals to gain ground in the standings, but Pittsburgh's playoff berth provides a buffer.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins will be without several of their top players, including Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, for their game against the Washington Capitals on Saturday. The team announced that seven players are injured, including Crosby, Malkin, and other key contributors. To fill the roster spots, the Penguins have recalled three players from their minor league affiliate on an emergency basis.

Why it matters

The Penguins have already clinched a playoff spot, but are still jockeying for position in the Metro Division. Sitting their star players could impact their final regular season standings, but also allows them to rest key players ahead of the postseason.

The details

The Penguins announced that Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Ben Kindel, Bryan Rust, Parker Wotherspoon, Erik Karlsson, and Kris Letang will all miss Saturday's game against the Capitals due to various injuries. To fill the open roster spots, the team has recalled Ville Koivunen, Rutger McGroarty, and Joona Koppanen from their minor league affiliate. Additionally, forward Connor Dewar's status has been changed from day-to-day to week-to-week.

  • Crosby has been nursing a knee injury since suffering a Grade 2 MCL tear during the Winter Olympics in February.
  • Malkin has been dealing with multiple injuries, including a shoulder issue and a hand injury.

The players

Sidney Crosby

The Penguins' star center who is sitting out due to a lower-body injury.

Evgeni Malkin

The Penguins' star center who is sitting out due to an upper-body injury.

Ville Koivunen

A player recalled from the Penguins' minor league affiliate to fill an open roster spot.

Rutger McGroarty

A player recalled from the Penguins' minor league affiliate to fill an open roster spot.

Joona Koppanen

A player recalled from the Penguins' minor league affiliate to fill an open roster spot.

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What they’re saying

“We must rest our top players to ensure they are healthy for the playoffs.”

— Dan Muse, Penguins Head Coach

What’s next

The Penguins will continue to monitor the injuries of their star players and determine their availability for the team's remaining regular season games and the upcoming playoffs.

The takeaway

The Penguins' decision to sit their top players, including Crosby and Malkin, highlights the importance of managing injuries and resting key contributors ahead of the postseason, even if it means sacrificing some regular season positioning.