Not really sure how to take this one since it sounds like something that's been bothering him for a while, but however you look at it the Pens will be without Sid tonight against Chicago.

Here's a quote from the official team release:

"My groin is bothering me a bit.  I won't be playing tonight. It's something that's been bothering me for three or four days and I'm going to sit this one out.  When it's getting worse each day, it's not a good sign. I've missed periods of time over the last few years with groin (injuries) and I kind of know when it's time to take a step back and make sure that I'm careful. I feel like I'm at that point."

Release

Precautionary or not, losing Sid for even a game isn't the best of things.  Can't really find a replacement for a guy who's dished out 11 points in three games, but hopefully this is Malkin's cue to step it up a bit.