Red Wings meet an old friend Sidney Crosby and the Pittsbugh Penguins

Don’t expect the Detroit Red Wings to have much sympathy for the Pittsburgh Penguins being without Sidney Crosby for a sixth consecutive game.

With goaltender Jimmy Howard the Wings’ latest injury casualty, journeyman Joey MacDonald will be in net as two of the NHL’s top teams meet in Pittsburgh minus some of their usual star power.

Crosby hasn’t played since Jan. 5 because of a concussion, but with center Jordan Staal back in the lineup, the Penguins (28-14-4) aren’t dealing with any significant injuries aside from their captain’s.

Detroit (28-11-6) is a different story. Forwards Pavel Datsyuk and Danny Cleary are a few weeks away from returning, while center Mike Modano, defenseman Brad Stuart and goaltender Chris Osgood will be out considerably longer.

The injury news got worse Friday after a 3-2 shootout loss to Columbus. Holmstrom broke his hand, which will keep him out at least a month, and Howard bruised his knee, which sidelined him Saturday against the Blue Jackets and will shelve him for tonight's game as well.

MacDonald wasn’t great in Howard’s place, but he got his first win since Dec. 3, 2009. He made 25 saves and Johan Franzen scored 45 seconds into overtime to lift the Red Wings to a 6-5 victory.

Pens aren't my favorite especially Cindy Crosby