Increasing "optimism" that Crosby's progressing towards a return for the post-season

Sidney Crosby is into day 11 of his on-ice skating routine and things remain the status quo on Crosby's intention to return this season.

Crosby who has intensified his on and off ice workouts this week, is said to be progressing at an accelerated pace and is skating extremely hard, while looking very sharp in the process.

According to one-high ranking league source, Crosby's rehab process is progressing faster than expected and things are moving into the direction where it would be a "surprise" if Crosby is not officially cleared to return for the post-season.

The thought process has been that Crosby would go through approximately two-weeks of light and medium on-ice workouts, before making the next significant step in his rehab.

With no setbacks, Crosby appears to be on track to be cleared for full participation in team practices very soon, possibly as early as somepoint next week. The sense is Crosby would then go through close to two weeks of full participation in practices, with some contact being later integrated, before being officially cleared to return by team doctors.