Crosby says Steckel and Hedman hits were “direct hits to the head”

Sidney Crosby as expected spoke today following the morning skate. Crosby was critical of the Steckel and Hedman hits and said that this is something new for him to be dealing with as the Penguins center is still having headaches.

Crosby said that both hits were “direct hits to the head” in situations where he didn’t have the puck. He appeared disappointed that there wasn’t any action from the league.

“I didn’t like them, ” Crosby said. You talk about headshots and dealing with them…. That is something that’s been a pretty big point of interest from the GMs and players. When I look at those two hits…. you talk about blindside….that’s a big word, unsuspecting player, there was no puck there on both of them.

“It was a direct hit to the head on both of them. If you go through the criteria I think they fit all those.”

As for a timetable? Crosby indicated he is still feeling a little sick and has headaches. At this point there is no timetable for his return. It’s very possible that Crosby will be sidelined for more than the expected week. He said he won’t rush back by any means and as Crosby mentioned, this is something new for him, suffering his first concussion.

“I don’t want to come back too soon, ” Crosby said. “It’s pretty serious.

In regards to playing against Tampa Bay, Crosby said he was feeling more neck pain than head going into the Tampa Bay game but did admit that he never felt right during the game.