PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby cut short his participation in an optional morning practice because of a sore groin and did not play Wednesday night against the New York Islanders.
“It just hasn’t improved a whole lot,” said Crosby, who was injured Sunday in a loss to Washington.
Crosby is day to day, and it is uncertain how many games he can play during Pittsburgh’s five-game road trip that begins Friday in Chicago.
Also, defenseman Ryan Whitney left the team for personal reasons but is is expected to rejoin the Penguins in Chicago.
• Forward Marian Hossa wasn’t on the ice because of concussion-like symptoms when the Detroit Red Wings finished their game against the San Jose Sharks.
“He’ll be fine,” coach Mike Babcock said.
Spurs’ Duncan out again
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan missed his second consecutive game, sitting out against the Portland Trail Blazers with a right leg injury.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said the team would have to wait and see if Duncan will be healthy enough for Friday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Ballesteros set for third chemo session
MADRID — Seve Ballesteros said his second round of chemotherapy went “very well” and the golf great is due to start a third session shortly.
“The results of the checkup were really positive. Better even than the first ones,” said Ballesteros, who had a cancerous brain tumor detected in October.
Baffert finalist for Hall of Fame
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Bob Baffert and two champion horses he trained — Point Given and Silverbulletday — are among the 11 finalists for election to the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame. The other finalists are jockeys Eddie Maple, Randy Romero and Alex Solis; trainer Robert Wheeler; and Open Mind, Sky Beauty, Best Pal and Tiznow. Inductees will be announced in late April.
The Associated Press
