Penguins' Sidney Crosby sits out with injury

For the second year in a row, the Blackhawks played the Pittsburgh Penguins without star center Sidney Crosby.

Crosby sat out Saturday's game at Mellon Arena with a groin injury.

"It's something that has been kind of bothering me for three or four days," Crosby told NHL.com. "When it's getting worse each day it's not a good sign. I've missed periods of times the past few years, and I kind of know when it's time to take a step back and make sure I'm careful."

Crosby sat out the game last Feb. 27 at the United Center with a groin injury.

"I know, it's two years in a row," Crosby told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "People probably think I've got the Blackhawk Flu or something.

"I don't like missing games at all, but especially this team that has a lot of great players and is s great matchup for us. You kind of have those measuring-stick games, and you want to be in those games."

Insurance policy? Veteran goalie Dan Cloutier signed a professional tryout contract with the Rockford IceHogs last week.

The deal is not a Hawks signing, though it's possible Cloutier could be an insurance policy against a serious injury to either Crostobal Huet or Antti Niemi. The Hawks would need to sign Cloutier to their own contract.

It's a curious move considering the salary-cap problem the Hawks have regarding "tagging room" for next season following the signings of Duncan Keith, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.

Should Huet or Niemi get injured, it's possible the Hawks wouldn't have enough tagging room to recall Corey Crawford from Rockford because he is under contract for next season.

Hard to believe: Jonathan Toews' new five-year, $31.5 million contract is overwhelming to his dad.

"It's pretty incredible stuff," Bryan Toews told the Winnipeg Sun. "We knew Jonathan had some promise but never thought he was going to see those numbers this quick. We know how hard he's worked and how committed he's been. To realize your dream is quite amazing."