Sid Skates - Kennedy Takes Trip Down

In what can almost seem like superhuman regeneration, Sid was back on the ice today and practice for the entire team skate.  One would like to think this means The Kid will be back in the lineup sooner than later, but doctors and even Sid himself remain cautious.

"I feel pretty good, but I'm definitely not ready to play. It's going to be a while. Wishful thinking would be a couple more weeks, but I really don't know."

Sidney Crosby - Post-Gazette

It would appear to any fan of the team that Sid is living up to his leadership expectations.  In many cases with captains around the league, especially those held in high regard, the sheer on-ice presence in a morning skate or evening practice can be enough to boost a team's morale.  

In the mean time, Sid will remain a fixture in the box next to Mario.

The 21-year-old rookie Tyler Kennedy is taking a trip back down to WBS.  Kennedy, who has sat out the past three weeks with mono, is tied for the lead amongst all NHL rookies for game-winning goals (4).

In past cases with Allain Nasreddine, Coach Therrien has not hesitated in saying whether the move is a conditioning one or a more permanent one.  However in the case of Kennedy, Therrien failed to supply any word.

Considering Kennedy's production as a fourth liner (12-4), I'll be the first to take a gamble in saying this comes off as a conditioning move.  Any athlete coming back from mono risks a temporary loss in their step.  Never mind an NHL caliber player.  If I had to guess I'd say Kennedy will be back with the team right around the time Sid returns.