Pittsburgh Penguins: Could Sidney Crosby’s Return Come Sooner Rather Than Later?
By Matt Shetler
I never wanted to get into the debate of trying to figure out the return date of Sidney Crosby to the ice for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but based on the recent comments of Pens General Manager Ray Shero, the optimism has even peaked my interest.
I’ve always been in favor of the cautious approach when it comes to Crosby’s return, but Shero’s latest comments give credence to the rumors that No. 87 could be returning to the Pens lineup sooner rather than later.
In an interview with Sportsnet’s Hockey Central, which you can read in full HERE, Shero gets into a lot, including the possible return of the captain.
To summarize Shero’s comments:
– Shero confirmed Crosby responding well to contact in practice including taking a stick to the chin from Kris Letang the other day.
– And if it were up to Shero, Crosby would return to the ice in front of the fans at the CONSOL Energy Center.
Knowing Crosby though, if he’s ready to go then he is going to want in the lineup as soon as possible, which could mean this week.
Looking at the Penguins’ upcoming schedule, they head out on a three-game road trip to Toronto (Oct. 29), San Jose (Nov. 3) and Los Angeles (Nov. 5). The Pens then get six days off before the “following Friday” game Shero alluded to — a Nov. 11 home date against Dallas.
While there is no way to speculate, but November 11 could be a date to circle on your calendars for the time being. It could mark the return of something special.
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