Pittsburgh Penguins captain, Sidney Crosby, donned skates for the first time since being sidelined with a concussion 10 weeks ago. Limited to stickhandling around cones and shooting a few pucks, Crosby is far from being ready to return. His 15 minute practice gives no guarantee that he will play again this season. With playoffs in the near future, Crosby’s progress is a good sign but far from promising.

The concussion resulted from a hard slam into the end boards by Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman on January 5. The hit re-triggered the already much debated issue of head hits, improper checking and other maneuvers that result in concussions.

“I feel good. It’s really early. It’s just part of progress and trying to get better,” Crosby told the team’s website. “I felt pretty good doing some light workouts. I was told I had the opportunity to skate. I went out there for 15 minutes to see how I felt. No real plan going forward. I felt good, so that’s a good sign.”

Crosby, who has been doing light exercises on a stationary bike for the past few days, has not suffered any concussion-related symptoms as a result. Doctors gave Crosby clearance to skate, but still consider his condition to be a day-to-day issue.

At the time of the injury, Crosby led the League in goals and points. The Penguins have gone 14-10-5 without Crosby and fellow All-Star Evgeni Malkin. The Penguins enter the week fourth in the East, just three points behind the Flyers.

Watch Victor Hedman’s hit on Sidney Crosby:

Sidney Crosby Skates:


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