Coming Down the Stretch

There was an unfortunate setback in the rehabilitation of Gary Roberts' ailing leg/ankle problem, as the veteran took a slip on the ice during a pregame skate against the Rangers on Tuesday night.  The 41-year-old has no doubt taken his share of falls over the course of his 21-year-career.  However, since suffering a broken fibula on Dec. 29 against the Sabres, recovery has been anything but easy for Scary Gary.  

Despite all the pains and setbacks, Roberts is expected back for the Penguins' second consecutive playoff run.

Recent reports from ESPN have suggested Sidney Crosby will sit-out tonight's game against the New York Islanders.  Sid, who may have rushed his return earlier this month, has been struggling on and off again with the lingering nuisance of a high ankle sprain.  Coach Therrien and other members of the coaching staff have suggested there is no rush for his return.  A 100-percent healthy and playoff bound Sid is much more beneficial to the team than an 85% healthy end of the season one.

From Penguins.nhl.com:

Crosby accompanied the Penguins to Long Island, but ruled himself out of this matchup after skating with his teammates Monday morning. He stayed on the ice at Nassau Coliseum well after the rest of the team went to the dressing room and said his sprained right ankle feels better, but that he was not in game condition yet.

The Penguins head into Long Island tonight to take on the Islanders, following up with another game against the Devils tomorrow night in New Jersey.  The Islanders just recently snapped their seven-game losing streak with a win over the Devils last week before losing two nights later to the Flyers.  Long-time Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro is out for the season after electing to have hip surgery.  He's expected to make a full recovery in the offseason.  For the Islanders, golf starts up after the next six games.

A win tonight for the Mighty Pens guarantees a playoff spot, although the Penguins look like they'd be more than happy to take down the division and conference in the process.  Puck drops at 7:08pm.