Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust were forced out of the Pittsburgh Penguins' final preseason game of 2019 on Saturday after blocking shots.
Coach Mike Sullivan told reporters after the team's 3-2 shootout loss to the Buffalo Sabres that "more definitive answers" on both players will be available Sunday morning.
Coach Sullivan on Crosby and Rust: "They both got hit with shots. They are being evaluated now. We will probably have more definitive answers tomorrow morning."
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) September 28, 2019
Crosby was reportedly seen leaving PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh with a limp hours after a puck deflected off the laces of his skate early in the first period.
Sidney Crosby was spotted leaving the team's facilities at PPG Paints Arena with a slight limp but no apparent medical apparatus such as a walking boot or crutches. Or an iron lung for that matter.
— Seth Rorabaugh (@SethRorabaugh) September 28, 2019
The Pens' captain left the game after the shot block and did not return to the bench for the start of the second period.
Checked with officials scorers: Crosby DID NOT take shift in second period.
— Rob Rossi (@Real_RobRossi) September 28, 2019
Again, he blocked shot by Scandella of #Sabres 6:47 into opening period. Puck appeared to hit Crosby above laces of skate boot. #Pens
Crosby saw just 6:42 of ice time before his departure. Rust managed 16:27 of ice time.
The Penguins completed their preseason schedule Saturday. They will open their 2019-20 regular season Oct. 3 at home vs. Buffalo.