Crosby’s return to game action slowly inching closer

Sidney Crosby received clearance for contact on Wednesday by Dr. Chip Burke, a big step for Crosby to returning to game action, which should come soon.

Sidney Crosby on being cleared for Full Contact

“This is a good step in the right direction and we’ll see how it goes the next little bit,” Crosby said following the Penguins morning skate.

The Penguins don’t conduct a lot of hitting in practices, mostly none so the true test really isn’t going to come until Crosby appears in a game.

“I have to get hit at some point during practice but we’re playing so much it’s hard to get that right now,” Crosby said.

Bylsma says Crosby won’t be shy to mix things up in practice.

From a game ready standpoint, Crosby is already there when it comes to being in hockey shape.

“He’s been with the line, he’s been in drills, he’s covered some drills that have contacted,” Bylsma said.

At today’s morning skate, Crosby centered Matt Cooke and Pascal Dupuis and also took reps with the first power play unit.

Crosby taking his first hits in practice should come tomorrow.

Patience though remains the key scenario in this process and all parties involved won’t change that stance. Crosby’s team of doctors are said to want close to two weeks of contact, which has many believing a return in November is most probable.

“When you’ve waited this long, you just want to make sure you do everything right and it’s exciting, if anything,” Crosby said. “I don’t think it’s hard to be patient at this point. We’re getting closer and we just want to make sure I respond to everything well in however long it is.”

The key for Crosby and the coaching staff is finding ways to get him involved in something resembling game situations during practices.