Penguins/NHL
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby skated again this morning, head coach Dan Bylsma said today.
Crosby has been going through some very light on-ice workouts for almost a week as he continues his slow recovery from a concussion.
The best news is that there’s been no setbacks to this point. The thought process is that Crosby will continue his “light” on and off ice workouts for at least another 7-10 days before he would be cleared to intensify his workouts by any means.
It’s going to be a very slow recovery process for Crosby, but the goal hasn’t changed for Crosby and that’s to play at some point this season. All signs continue to point to that if Crosby’s fully cleared by doctors, he intends to return this year.
Assuming everything continues to progress for Crosby, being fully cleared and ready to play in the regular season is not logical. The best case scenario is still a return in the playoffs.
Being ready for the start of the playoffs on April 13 or 14, is considered a pretty big longshot at this point.
The Penguins may still have to win a playoff series, to see 87 back in the lineup.
These are very big positive steps for Crosby but the big test will come when he’s cleared for full workouts in the coming weeks…..So far, so good….
More Injury Tidbits
*Mark Letestu’s upper body injury is not considered serious by any means. He was on the ice this morning and may travel with the team to Detroit this evening.
*Defenseman Brooks Orpik remains on track to return well before the playoffs begin. Orpik is working himself back into game shape and skated this morning, along with several others, Bylsma said. His injury is almost into week 4. He’s considered to have a 5 week injury.
*Winger Eric Tangradi has been fully cleared to practice, Bylsma said this morning. Tangradi will get sent down to Wilkes Barre in the immediate future to see some game action. Tangradi though is not eligible to play in the AHL playoffs.
