Johnston calls NHL rule not allowing Sidney Crosby to play Tuesday night as “fair”

Mike Johnston called the NHL’s rule (skipping All-Star game) that doesn’t allow Sidney Crosby to play Tuesday night vs Winnipeg as “fair”

“Yes, I do think it’s fair because I don’t think you want to leave it open at any time for a player to make a decision to forego an All-Star game,” Johnston said during Monday’s media session. “I don’t know if it’s ever happened before, but I think the league in reassuring it won’t happen, has put those steps in. I do think that’s fair,” Johnston said.

Johnston also noted today he expects Crosby back “fairly soon.”

Fairly soon is expected to be as in Wednesday night vs the Washington Capitals.

The Penguins were feeling the heat of Crosby withdrawing the All-Star game and even got specific with a minor injury which never happens, releasing a statement on Friday saying Crosby received an injection for an injury he suffered vs Montreal on Jan 10.

“Sid should be fairly soon,” Johnston said. “After the injection he has to wait so many days. His days are basically up today [Monday].”

It’s anticipated Crosby will skate on Tuesday and travel with the team to Washington.

PENGUINS MANAGEMENT EXCITED ABOUT SCOTT WILSON

The Penguins today recalled forwards Bryan Rust, Andrew Ebbett, Scott Wilson and defenseman Scott Harrington. All of the recalls won’t play tomorrow night but there is some intrigue in getting Scott Wilson a look as his stint during a previous callup was cut short when he was injured in his first NHL game.

Wilson is a player Penguin management is excited about.

“I know our management group is really excited about him as a player,” Johnston said. “Guy who can contribute offensively but also play with some edge to his game.”

INJURY BUZZ

Kris Letang anticipates playing vs the Jets and receiving full clearance Tuesday morning…….David Perron left practice early as he has been dealing with a cold……Simon Despres has also been dealing with a lingering cold for over a week now and is questionable to play Tuesday…..Patric Hornqvist is under consideration to return to the lineup tomorrow night….