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.

Another positive sign for Crosby. According to head coach Dan Bylsma, Crosby has been going through “rigorous” workouts off the ice.

Crosby has been symptom free for over two weeks now and has yet to have any kind of setbacks.

There doesn’t appear to be any concern about Crosby needing a lot of time to get back into game shape. A great quote from Bylsma today.

“So I talked to him {Sidney Crosby} before he went on the ice today and he said that he was going to try to keep up with Mark Letestu, ” head coach Dan Bylsma said today. “I talked to Mark Letestu afterwards, and Mark said he was trying to keep up with Sid”.

Team Awards

The Penguins will hold their annual awards ceremony before Sunday’s game against the Florida Panthers at CONSOL Energy Center.

Fans are asked to be in their seats for the ceremony at 1 p.m. Faceoff is scheduled for 1:13 p.m.

Awards include Most Valuable Player, Players’ Player, Defensive Player, Booster Club Cup, Media Good Guy, Masterton Trophy Nominee and Community Service.

MVP

Marc Andre Fleury

Players’ Player

Sidney Crosby – His dominant performance in the first half and what he means to this team can’t go overlooked.

Defensive Player

Brooks Orpik – Despite injury, slight edge over Kris Letang

Media Good Guy

Co-winners: Chris Kunitz and Paul Martin: Both are always very gracious with the media and always willing to answer some questions 1-on-1, after a big media scrum.

*Give out your winners in the comments forum.

Pens can clinch playoff spot tonight

Pens can clinch playoff spot tonight if they win and Canes lose or they get one point and Canes lose in the regulation.