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Sidney Crosby injury update, Dan Muse says status pending return
Photo credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
Sidney Crosby injury update has Pittsburgh Penguins fans stuck in limbo, because Dan Muse still has no clear status and the lineup is already shifting.
The Penguins finally hit the ice for a full practice after the Olympic break, and you could feel the whole plan hinging on No. 87.
Muse said Crosby was traveling Monday and the team still needed a medical update once he returned.
That matters because the Penguins already tried Rickard Rakell at center on the top line at practice, just to keep the reps honest.
The other big wrinkle was Avery Hayes getting recalled and skating right in the mix as an option if Crosby cannot go.
"Sid, we're still waiting for. He's traveling today. Waiting for him to get back. We've got to get a status update there. There's still more information that we need to have."
- Dan Muse
- Dan Muse
"The way we are right now in terms of the other lines, it's something that we want to see. It's also - (with) him coming up right now - he's been playing really well. We've got a couple of practice days. We'll wait and get more information once (87) gets back.»
- Dan Muse
- Dan Muse
Hayes is 23 and he's forcing the issue with production, 19 goals and 30 points in 36 AHL games, plus two goals in his NHL debut right before the break.
Sidney Crosby puts Pittsburgh Penguins options on hold
Honestly, this is the part that makes the fanbase anxious, because you can handle «day to day,» but you hate «we'll see when he gets here.»
Muse also made it clear he likes how the other lines look right now, which screams «don't overreact» even while the top-six is in flux.
Tactically, Rakell in the middle is a clean emergency pivot, because he can transport pucks and still get Rust to the right spots.
If Crosby misses time, the man advantage has to simplify fast, more shots, more net-front, less searching for the perfect seam.
The roster math is tight too, because Pittsburgh is already at 23 players, so keeping Hayes up longer could mean a move or an IR decision.
The good news is the Penguins have a couple practice days to test-drive this look before games restart.
Until Crosby walks back in and gives the real answer, everything else is just placeholders with skates on.
Also read on HockeyUnplugged :
Brad Marchand reacts to Canada’s Olympic gold loss, says they “let Sidney Crosby down”
Brad Marchand reacts to Canada’s Olympic gold loss, says they “let Sidney Crosby down”
Previously on HockeyUnplugged