I've been using the Crosby story as motivation and inspiration more than a reference to track my own recovery. I'm still not very deep into the process (10th week as of last Thursday) but I'm getting much better. After two re-occurrences of symptoms I've decided to do virtually no exercise until I've had a long string of symptom free time. So far I've topped out at three consecutive days.

Word on the street now is that he's not going to suit up on Sunday, and is now targeting Thursday for his return. I don't blame him for not wanting to go up against the likes of Lucic and Chara during his first game back!

From today's G&M newspaper: "So why chance it? Why not cancel the season entirely, wait longer and come back in the fall, if it makes sense, when games are less physical and important and when Sidney Crosby would be in exactly the same game-shape as everyone else."

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...rticle2367133/

Hard to argue with that logic.

I read today that Crosby will play in Thursday's game against the Rangers. I can't believe he is returning so soon. The Penguins have been doing well without him in the lineup.

I agree with you, but you have to imagine that he's really itching to play. At the time of posting he's missed 101 NHL hockey games because of his concussion.

He seems to be able to handle a full tempo practice and body contact in practice. Of course both are different from real game situations where the opponent is looking to deliver a big hit. I'd imagine that Crosby will be protected to an extent in his return. I wouldn't expect him to log more than 18 minutes of ice time and wouldn't be surprised if he was thrown on a line with at least one of the team's enforcers to protect him out there.

They should use him somewhat like an impact sub, have his minutes regulated for a while and build up his game fitness, something that can't be simulated in any practice.

I don't see him getting the Gretzky treatment, probably hasn't been around long enough or established that sort of reputation yet.

Crosby played tonight and scored an assist. No reports of any scary impacts or incidents. A good day for Sid the Kid. One game at a time.

Ya, wise way to ease him back. I think i heard them say something about keeping him around 15min. Not sure, I fast forwarded through all the chatter.

Nope, no Gretz treatment. it's a diff game now. He also doesn't have a Dave Semenko or Marty McSorley for protection either. Players are bigger, equip is harder and well, it's just different. Too many jerks with no respect for their opponent. Heck! No respect for anyone. It's sad. But overall, I do believe that most of the players do have respect and hopefully they can teach it to those few hacks. Now, to start with the kids and teach them respect along with the beauty of the game, hard physical play but not maniac play.

Ahhhhh just my two cents. So happy to see such an amazing player back and looking pretty good! And look how it helps take the defensive focus off of other talents like Malkin! Go Crosby Go! Keep Well!

I can't believe someone would go back to competitive fighting after pcs. I got some repeated minor concussions from just sparring and have had pcs for half a year. I'm getting much better now but will NEVER spar with head shots again.