Dan Bylsma on the impact of Sidney Crosby’s return, his linemates vs Islanders & more

Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma held a conference call at 5:00 p.m. to discuss the return of Sidney Crosby to the lineup. Here are some highlights from the conference call as Bylsma talks about the impact of Crosby’s return, his linemates vs Islanders, minutes + full audio:

Crosby’s linemates vs Islanders: — Sidney Crosby will open tomorrow’s game vs the New York Islanders with Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis on his line, head coach Dan Bylsma said. “Tomorrow plan is for Sidney to skate with Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis, ” Bylsma said.

Bylsma said that the Sullivan – Malkin – Neal unit will stay the same and Jordan Staal will center Matt Cooke and Tyler Kennedy on the third line.

Bylsma though has not ruled out Jordan Staal seeing time with Malkin. “Possibly see Jordan move around with Malkin, ” Bylsma said.

Crosby’s Minutes: The Penguins will obviously monitor Crosby’s minutes after a nearly 10 month layoff. “I don’t know exactly what a number would be, but he’s certainly not going to be rushing back into {twenty plus minutes], ” Bylsma said.

Bylsma said that Crosby told him today he expects to only play 12 minutes tomorrow but Bylsma said he laughed at that and Sidney will want that 13th minute, ect.

Final Hurdle: Bylsma said the decision for Crosby to return on Monday came today. Crosby met with Dr. Collins and Dr. Burke today and he was cleared to play and the decision was made by Dr. Burke that tomorrow will be the day.

AUDIO LINK: Dan Bylsma Audio on Sidney Crosby’s Return