PITTSBURGH — Penguins captain Sidney Crosby cut short his participation in an optional morning practice because of a sore groin and will not play against the New York Islanders.

Crosby was injured Sunday in a loss to Washington and said Wednesday, "It just hasn't improved a whole lot." He practiced Monday but left Tuesday's practice after only a few minutes.

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. He has missed only one previous game to injury this season.

Coach Dan Bylsma said defenseman Ryan Whitney also won't play against the Islanders after leaving the team for personal reasons. Whitney is expected to rejoin the Penguins in Chicago.