Crosby to play vs Rangers?

Sidney Crosby decided not to play on Sunday versus the Bruins stating he did not feel comfortable with how the practices had been since he has been cleared for contact. Sid was not saying he was having symptoms, but merely pointing out that the guys had either been given days off or had light morning skates and that for him to feel comfortable going into game action he wanted to skate in some hard practices.

The Captain will be getting his wish as the Penguins do not play until Thursday, and barring any setbacks/symptoms many feel the best player in the world will return to action Thursday against the Rangers.

In many ways this might be better than returning for Sunday’s game vs the Bruins. Number 1, it is on the road and there will not be the pressure to perform in front of the home fans, and you can better monitor the ice time he gets.  Number 2, the game will have more of a regional tv feel, even though it is on the NHL Network it will not have the “game of the week” feel the NBC game will have produced. Number 3, Sid will in fact get in those harder practices he desired.

 The Penguins play the Rangers Thursday at 7pm, locally on Root Sports and on NHL Network otherwise.