Sidney Crosby is back in Pittsburgh and concerns have begun to spread over a possible injury, but all signs point to him being fine and could play tomorrow.
Head coach Mike Sullivan and Crosby did not practice upon their return to Pittsburgh on Friday morning from Boston, where they watched Team Canada defeat Team USA 3-2 in overtime in the championship game of the Four Nations Face-Off.
"Sid and I talked briefly on the plane coming back this morning. We'll probably make him a game-time decision," Sullivan said. "He was excused from practice today, but he's feeling good."
Penguins assistant coach David Quinn was with them. Sullivan and Quinn led Team USA through the tournament, while Crosby led Team Canada. Sullivan had little to say when asked about Crosby's status.
Crosby appeared to still be dealing with an arm injury at the 4 Nations
But he was obviously dealing with an arm injury, despite being second in scoring with five points (1 goal, 4 assists). His shot total, just three in four games, showed he was not at his best.
Prior to the tournament, Crosby already sat out two Penguins games with what he referred to as "a tweak" when his arm appeared to have twisted in a bone-jarring collision between two New Jersey Devils players.
Penguins fans will discover tomorrow if he's available when the team hosts "The Great 8", Alex Ovechkin, and the Washington Capitals.