Crosby misses Sunday's practice, reportedly as precaution

Sidney Crosby sat out the Pittsburgh Penguins' practice Sunday after departing a Saturday scrimmage early.

However, multiple NHL sources told The Athletic's Rob Rossi that the move to withhold him was merely precautionary. Crosby reportedly didn't use the word "injury" when discussing it with others Saturday, and the all-world center said he simply felt "something off a little bit" before leaving the scrimmage.

A source told Rossi that had there been a playoff game Sunday, Crosby "probably would have played."

Here's how the team's lines looked without him:

The superstar forward left in the second of two 25-minute periods during Saturday's intrasquad session and didn't return. Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan reminded reporters afterward that new league rules prohibit the club from commenting on injuries or illnesses.

Crosby ranked second on the team behind Evgeni Malkin with 1.15 points per game this season. The Pittsburgh captain produced 47 points in 41 contests and trailed only Jake Guentzel in average ice time among Penguins forwards.

Pittsburgh is scheduled to play an exhibition game against the Philadelphia Flyers on July 28 before facing the Montreal Canadiens in the play-in round beginning Aug. 1.

Crosby missed 28 straight games during the regular season after undergoing surgery to repair a core muscle injury in November.