Crosby Cleared For Contact

[deboesports]

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – In the midst of a six-game winning streak, it’s hard to imagine how things could get better for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

However, after the team’s practice Tuesday morning their captain made a big announcement.

According to KDKA-TV’s Mike Zappone, Sidney Crosby told reporters he has been cleared for contact, but there is no timetable for his return.

He said he will take it day by day, but assuming all goes well, the earliest he could return would be Sunday against the Boston Bruins.

Crosby said the motion issues subsided first and only headaches lingered. However, he has not had headaches for a few days now.

Crosby has been out of the lineup with concussion-like symptoms following a game against the Bruins on Dec. 5.

He missed the first portion of the season while he continued to recover from a concussion he suffered in January of 2011.

Crosby returned to the lineup this season against the New York Islanders on Nov. 21. In eight games, Crosby has 12 points (two goals, 10 assists).

Head coach Dan Bylsma also gave an update on a couple of other injured Penguins after practice.

He said Kris Letang is feeling well enough for light workouts off the ice, but is still feeling concussion-like symptoms after a collision with Erik Nystrom last week.

Bylsma also said Deryk Engelland is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

Crosby Cleared For Contact CBS Pittsburgh

[avjp87]

Everyone will be gunning for Crosby even more now. He won't last long if he returns.

[solt0131]

Very cool....I'm friends with Mike Zappone!

[BostonNut]

They want Crosby to return against the most physical team in the league?

Those are some bright hockey gurus they have over there in Pittsburgh...

[solt0131]

Originally Posted by BostonNut

They want Crosby to return against the most physical team in the league?

Those are some bright hockey gurus they have over there in Pittsburgh...

He's not. He won't return until a few games before the playoffs if not the playoffs themselves.

[mthokie83]

Originally Posted by solt0131

He's out for the year and not coming back this season and possibly never playing again.

Originally Posted by solt0131

He's not. He won't return until a few games before the playoffs if not the playoffs themselves.

Not that I necessarily want Crosby to return for that Boston game on Sunday (nor do I think the Pens would actually play him in that one), based on your past estimations as to what Crosby will do, I don't think I trust your instincts on what is going to happen their solty.

[solt0131]

Sidney Crosby will now return Thursday against the Rangers in MSG.

[Koppper]

Welcome back Sid lets try to stay around a bit longer please!

[monkeymcgee]

I don't follow hockey much at all--just curious about the original injury. Was the problem he had 2 concussions very close together or did he have a really bad single concussion?

[BAMBAM]

Big, physical team those Rangers, guess we'll find out real quick if he can take a hit. I'd like to see him stay healthy so there are no excuses when the Pens take a nose dive in the first round again this year.

[BostonNut]

I'm no doctor but he shouldn't come back at all this season as far as I'm concerned...

[frozenntimesports]

Originally Posted by monkeymcgee

I don't follow hockey much at all--just curious about the original injury. Was the problem he had 2 concussions very close together or did he have a really bad single concussion?

From what we know.

Concussion 1 came at the Winter Classic last year from Dave Steckel.

Concussion 2 came from Victor Hedman, and in the world of hockey it was a love-tap but it was what is called Second Impact Syndrome (it sucks, I'm a year + from that and I'm still not 100%).

So then after missing the first concussion, it appears that the Penguins medical staff (must be taking their CME's with the Mets trainers) missed a fractured neck-bone, or at the very least severe neck inflammation. The inflammation symptoms mimicked the symptoms of a concussion.

I am sure that the Penguins would not be letting him get back to the ice too early. His concussion probably did clear before his first comeback, but the neck injury had to heal too.

Hope he's truly healthy, the NHL is a better place with that pain in the a$$, and he'd better be 100% because after the Rangers they get the Flyers, Islanders, Bruins and Habs. None of those teams are shy about hitting.

[mortuus]

Originally Posted by BostonNut

I'm no doctor but he shouldn't come back at all this season as far as I'm concerned...

Yeah.. i think he is done for.. playing like before? no chance and if he is gonna play he cant play like a girl.. so dont count in a big return...

[solt0131]

I'm more excited about Letang returning tonight!!!!

[teosdesserts]

Hit him again!