He will be back this Saturday against the Jets. Will be Playing with Cooke and Dupuis.

For the past week, I have been wondering why Crosby suddenly sought the neck specialist on the west coast. Now it is clear to me: Crosby wants to play despite his symptoms.

Hence, he went to the neck specialist to try and get his injury re-classified. Now it's no longer a concussion, it's a neck injury, and the regulations regarding concussions no longer apply.

The linked article reveals how the rebranding of his injury will help him get back on the ice: "He said he has felt a little better in the past week and is optimistic since the injury has been diagnosed as a neck problem rather than a concussion."

This makes a lot of sense for everyone involved. Does the NHL have a right to keep him sidelined for headaches? Do they want to test that in court? He certainly wants to get back out there, and the Penguins certainly want him back.

Not really Pens-related, as Hamill wouldn't seem to be much of a fit for us. That said, it's always noteworthy when a 21-year-old former top-10 overall pick gets waived, and I'll be shocked if somebody doesn't claim him.

Crosby returned to regular practice with the Pens. Rob Rossi reported on twitter that be believes both Staal and Crosby will be back "sooner rather than later" potentially right after the trade deadline.

Mario's 5 goals 5 ways is an impressive, but not a very repeatable feat. On the other hand, 3 goals: one scored at Even Strength, on the Power Play, and Shorthanded, is impressive and seemed like something that would be rare enough to mark a genuine achievement.

...Until someone creates the Alex Ovechkin hat trick (Empty Net Goal, Power-Play Assist, Questionable Hit)...

Vaccaro determined an MRI and CAT scan indicated no evidence of a fracture in Crosby's neck - as had been rumored during All-Star weekend - instead confirming a California doctor's diagnosis that Crosby is dealing with a soft-tissue injury.

For whatever that is worth

It looks like the Real Deal finally gets to be an All-Star thanks to Ovechkin choosing not to go.