Sidney Crosby Officially Diagnosed with the Mumps

Pittsburgh Penguins captain and star center Sidney Crosby has been diagnosed with the mumps. TSN's Bob McKenzie first reported the news Sunday morning, and the team confirmed Crosby's status a short time later on its official website.    

"Crosby will continue to be monitored daily, but specialists believe he should be through the infectious period by Monday," the team's statement read. "He will not play in Monday’s home game against the Tampa Bay Lightning."

Pittsburgh had denied for several days that Crosby had come down with the mumps, as head coach Mike Johnston told Seth Rorabaugh of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

The NHL has been suffering through a league-wide mumps outbreak, and Crosby is the latest confirmed case. The Penguins' captain missed the last two games while undergoing testing and will miss Monday’s game as well. A timetable for his return was not initially given.

In 27 games this year, Crosby has racked up nine goals and 26 assist for 35 points. Add in the 15 power-play points he has already amassed, and the Penguins will struggle to find the same offensive rhythm without Crosby in the lineup.

Pittsburgh needs Crosby healthy to be a viable threat in the postseason.

*Stats via NHL.com.

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