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Crosby questionable when Penguins host Rangers

Jan 18, 2009 - 8:05 AM NY Rangers (27-15-4) at Pittsburgh (22-20-4), 12:30 p.m. EST

PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- For one night, the Pittsburgh Penguins weathered the storm of All-Star Sidney Crosby's injury. However, it will be a daunting task to repeat the performance against a division rival.

Crosby remains day-to-day with an apparent leg injury and may miss a second straight game when the Penguins host the New York Rangers on Sunday.

The 21-year-old Crosby, who appeared in just 53 contests last season due to a high ankle sprain, collided with Washington's David Steckel during the third period in Wednesday's 6-3 loss to the Capitals and did not return.

Named as the Hart Trophy winner in 2007, Crosby underwent an MRI on his injured leg on Thursday and said there "wasn't too much swelling" but nixed his chances of playing in Friday's 3-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks during the morning skate.

Crosby did practice on Saturday and will be a game-time decision.

"It felt good. We'll see tomorrow and go day-by-day," Crosby said. "I'm kind of on the fence right now. We'll see with the swelling tomorrow. It's easier to judge so I'll have a better idea."

Pittsburgh, which had dropped eight of 10, thwarted the Ducks thanks to a stellar effort from Matt Cooke, who had two goals. All-Star Evgeni Malkin had two assists and recorded his league-leading 69th point.

Malkin also has 52 points in 33 games without Crosby in the lineup.

The Penguins may also be without four of the 10 defensemen on the roster - Sergei Gonchar, Rob Scuderi, Brooks Orpik and Kris Letang - all sidelined with injuries. Scuderi and Letang both practiced Saturday but neither is guaranteed to play.

New York, meanwhile, extended its winning streak to three games with a 3-2 overtime victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday.

Seven of the last 12 wins for the Rangers have been either in overtime or shootouts.