Penguins/NHL
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins went through a 60+ minute workout this morning as the team departs for Vancouver this afternoon.
Among today’s storylines in practice was Sidney Crosby who said afterwards he doesn’t expect to receive clearance for contact on the Penguins upcoming Western Canada swing.
Crosby will not be evaluated by his team of doctors until he returns from the three game road trip and any clearance for contact is not expected until next week at the earliest.
Once Crosby receives clearance for contact, it is expected that he will have to go through at least a full two weeks of contact before doctors consider clearing him for game action.
Crosby returning in October is considered a stretch at this point, with clearance for contact not coming this week.
Elsewhere on the injury front, Brooks Orpik went through a full practice but is unsure of whether he will play during the road trip. He is considered questionable for Thursday night.
Center Jordan Staal did not practice and was given a maintenance day, according to head coach Dan Bylsma. Bylsma indicated that he expects Staal to play in the season opener against the Canucks.
Dustin Jeffrey went through a full practice, skating on the 5th line with Crosby and Steve MacIntyre.
