Crosby inching closer to clearance for practice
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby skated again this morning going through a 50+ minute skate. Crosby was joined by a few of his teammates who are rehabbing injuries and members of the coaching staff.
Today’s skate is said to be one of Crosby’s longest and most “extensive” since he began intensifying his workouts about 4-to-5 days ago.

No timetable from the team has been in place for Crosby to be cleared to practice but those with knowledge of the situation believe Crosby is on track to be officially cleared to practice at somepoint this week (likely later in the week).
Barring an unforeseen setback, all signs continue to point to Crosby being only a few weeks away from returning to game action.
Off-Day for Penguins
With 3 games in 4 days, the Penguins had an off-day today in wake of tomorrow’s showdown with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Look for Mark Letestu to possibly return to the lineup tomorrow night. He’s very close to playing. His return is expected to push Mike Comrie out of the lineup.
Pens sign college player Paul Thompson
The penguins signed Hockey East Player of the Year Paul Thompson to a two year entry level deal. Thompson will report to Wilkes Barre.
The Penguins today signed Paul Thompson to a two year entry level contract. Thompson who attended the Penguins development camp in 2010, just completed his fourth season of collegiate hockey with New Hampshire. He was named the 2010-11 Hockey East Player of the Year after posting a league-leading 52 points in his senior campaign.
Thompson (6-foot, 210 pounds) also scored 28 goals this season, which ranked second overall in the Hockey East. He helped the No. 11 Wildcats advance to the NCAA Regional Finals before falling to No. 9 Notre Dame, 2-1, Sunday.