Penguins expect to learn in next 24 hours if Crosby has chance to be cleared to play for start of playoffs

When the Penguins say there is no timetable for Sidney Crosby’s return, league sources close to the situation say the team is being truthful on that front.

The Penguins and Crosby, though, expect to get some more clarity on the healing of his fractured jaw this week. Dave Molinari of The Post-Gazette reports Crosby is looking to seek clearance to play for the start of the playoffs from doctors today or Friday when he goes for his latest scheduled visit.

Although information from the Penguins has been very guarded and hard to get behind the scenes, there has been a sense of optimism coming from the organization about Crosby not being that far away, but word outside of Pittsburgh from those close to the Crosby camp has been that Crosby was likely another 2-3 weeks from being fully cleared. Some chatter going around is doctors have felt Crosby’s injury is a 6-7 week injury.

NHL Insider Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet who has close ties to Crosby’s agent Pat Brisson speculated during the telecast of the Penguins – Senators game on Momday night that Crosby wasn’t likely to return until the second round of the playoffs.

That has been the feeling around the league for about a week now but as one source said this is an unpredictable injury when it comes to the recovery process.

Crosby will not win the NHL scoring title as 37 year old Marty St. Louis surpassed Crosby in points and now has 58 points to Crosby’s 56 points. If Crosby were to be cleared to play today or tomorrow, all indications are he won’t play in the regular season finale Saturday night.