Penquins deny Sidney Crosby has mumps, but face tells a different story (PHOTO)

Although Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby will sit out the next two games as a precaution, the Pittsburgh Penguins refuse to say whether or not their star has the mumps.

General manager Jim Rutherford says it does not appear the star is dealing with the mumps even if his visibly puffy right cheek says differently. Medical specialists did recommend that Crosby not play for a while.

The right side of Sidney Crosby's face was ... different ... today: pic.twitter.com/8gVmXU8c19
— Seth Rorabaugh (@emptynetters) December 12, 2014

Multiple players on multiple teams throughout the NHL have come down with the mumps, an illness more typically associated with children.

While Crosby will not suit up Friday night against Calgary or Saturday at Columbus, the two-time NHL MVP participated in Friday morning’s skate but acknowledged not feeling well recently. Additional tests are pending.

Crosby leads the Metropolitan Division-leading Penguins with nine goals and 26 assists in 27 games.