Sidney Crosby and GM Ray Shero Presser tidbits on independent specialist revealing Crosby has "soft-tissue" neck injury

The Pittsburgh Penguins revealed today that an independent specialist found that Sidney Crosby has a soft-tissue injury of the neck, that could be causing neurological symptoms. The Penguins though indicate that the independent specialist found no evidence of past or present fracture to Crosby's vertebrae. Previous specialists who recently evaluated Crosby believed there was a possibility that Crosby had a fracture to C1 and C2 vertebrae.

Dr. Robert Bray's diagnosis last week revealed a fracture but Bray wanted to get a second opinion, according to GM Ray Shero. Shero during a joint press conference with Sidney Crosby, said all doctors involved were consulted in a conference call and all agreed that there was no fracture. The Penguins and Crosby hope that they have now identified the problem, 13 months later, although Shero says they can't pinpoint when the neck injury happened.

Bray last week treated Crosby with an injection to alleviate swelling in the C1-2 joint of the neck. Crosby said he hopes that he doesn't have to get another shot and will currently under-go therapy.

Pens Can't Pinpoint the injury:"As of right now from consulting with doctors here the past couple days, It's hard to pinpoint when this could have happened." It's been identified and been worked on and that's the good news " -- GM Ray Shero said.

"On Identifying Injury: "I think the biggest thing to take from it is that it's something I can work on, get my neck worked on - " Sidney Crosby said.

On this type of neck injury being linked to concussions: "From what I've been told, something pretty commonly linked to concussions" - Sidney Crosby said.

If the neck injury is currently the issue and Crosby actually doesn't have a concussion: "I hope so, " Crosby said.

On whether Crosby supports Pens medical staff: "I think the team's been very encouraging and there's not a lot of answers with this stuff and I think they've been very encouraging, " - Sidney Crosby said.